INLSA
File Photo: Judge Isaac Madondo is vying for the position of KwaZulu-Natal deputy judge president. The race is too close to call, say sources, with both he and his opponent having qualities that appeal to the Judicial Service Commission.
It is going to be a tight-run race for the second-highest judicial post in KwaZulu-Natal, with experience, gender and politics coming to the fore.
The Judicial Service Commission announced on Thursday that judges Isaac Madondo and Fikile Mokgohloa had been shortlisted for the position of deputy judge president.
Judge Madondo, who was pipped at the post for the judge president’s job by Judge Chiman Patel last year, has political clout – he played a key role in peacekeeping in strife-torn Msinga and has the support of the small, but vocal, Pietermaritzburg branch of the Black Lawyers Association.
He also practised as an advocate in Pietermaritzburg from 1991 until his appointment as a judge in 2007.
However, Judge Madondo courted controversy during the JSC interviews for the judge president’s post when he suggested that Judge Patel, an Indian, was not suitable because of his race.
Judge Mokgohloa, who was appointed a judge in November 2008, has done stints as an acting magistrate in Brits and Bafokeng in North West province.
She also practised as an attorney in North West and did pro bono work, dealing with domestic violence and maintenance cases.
One source, who asked not to be named, said the contest was too close to call because Judge Madondo had more experience and the backing of KZN politicians, but Judge Mokgohloa would be viewed favourably by the JSC.
“She is a humble and dignified person,” said the source. “She came into this province as a relative unknown and quickly came to grips with the work of this division.”
The source added that the JSC would favour appointing a female candidate.
In October 2011, the commission said it was concerned about the lack of female judges and that women should be encouraged to remain in the profession.
Rajesh Choudree SC, of Advocates for Transformation, said yesterday it was refreshing that one of the candidates was a woman.
“It should be a keen contest between the two candidates. Whoever is chosen will have to… fill the large shoes of the former deputy judge president (Judge Patel).”
He said that Judge Mokgohloa had earned the respect of her colleagues and those in the legal profession. “Gender aside, she should be judged on merit.”
Choudree added that Judge Madondo would bring a wealth of experience to the position.
“He has vast experience in both community matters and in the political arena. He was also an advocate for several years.”
The JSC will hold interviews for the position in Cape Town in April. – The Mercury
