The Economic Freedom Fighters wants President Jacob Zuma to reconsider his selection of Justice Raymond Zondo as the Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa‚ in favour of Justice Bess Nkabinde.
The position of Deputy Chief Justice became vacant as a result of the retirement of Dikgang Moseneke.
>https://twitter.com/EFFSouthAfrica/status/839093503565123588Zuma said on Friday he had chosen Judge Zondo and was consulting political parties as well as Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng about the appointment. Justice Zondo has served as a Judge of the Constitutional Court since 2012 and has previously served as Judge President of the Labour Appeal Court.
EFF leader Julius Malema said on Tuesday he had written to Zuma to overturn the decision.
“We are not opposed to Justice Zondo as a judge. As a matter of fact‚ we have great confidence in him. However‚ it is our strong-held view that a chance must be given to a black woman to inspire and advance the gender struggle against patriarchy.”
This is a reinforcement of comments by EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on Friday night. He said: “We believe in his integrity and seniority as he has indeed been serving in the Constitutional Court already. He deserves to be in the highest court in the land as a seasoned judge and as a man of integrity. However‚ it is inexplicable why Zuma would ignore the acting Deputy Chief Justice Bess Nkabinde who has been serving in the Constitutional Court longer than Justice Zondo. Above all‚ in the interest of advancing the gender struggle‚ why ignore a woman‚ well qualified‚ with integrity and who is already acting in the position?...”
“Less than a month ago‚ Zuma argued that South Africa is ready for a woman President. Yet‚ when opportunity is ripe to appoint a woman Justice to the high position of Deputy Chief Justice‚ he does not‚” said Ndlozi.