Justice Dunstan Mlambo Appointed as South Africa’s New Deputy Chief Justice
Viable News Team 
Image Source: OCJ_RSA
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially appointed Justice Dunstan Mlambo as the new Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, with effect from Friday, 1 August 2025. This landmark appointment was made in accordance with Section 174(3) of the Constitution, following a consultative process involving the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and political parties represented in the National Assembly.
Justice Mlambo brings a wealth of experience and judicial leadership to the position. He has served as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court since November 2012, a role in which he was widely praised for his commitment to judicial transformation, accessibility of justice, and institutional reform.
In a statement issued Thursday night, the Presidency acknowledged his long-standing contribution to the judiciary, adding that his elevation comes at a time when South Africa is intensifying efforts to strengthen constitutionalism, judicial independence, and access to justice.
“President Ramaphosa has in writing informed Chief Justice Mandisa Maya that in appointing Justice Mlambo, the President has considered the views of the Judicial Service Commission and the views of political parties represented in the National Assembly,” the Presidency stated.
The appointment follows a transparent selection process spearheaded by the JSC. Four senior judges were nominated for the position earlier this year, with Justice Mlambo emerging as the recommended candidate after interviews were conducted in July.
President Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for the JSC’s work, commending the body for ensuring a selection process rooted in transparency, constitutional fidelity, and national unity.
“This process exemplified the Commission’s commitment to upholding the nation’s constitutional values,” the Presidency noted.
The JSC’s role has been critical in fostering public trust and ensuring that top judicial appointments are based on merit, transformation goals, and judicial excellence. The Presidency praised the Commission for enhancing the confidence of South Africans in the judiciary.
The post of Deputy Chief Justice has been vacant since Chief Justice Mandisa Maya assumed leadership of the Constitutional Court following the retirement of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in 2024. Justice Mlambo’s appointment marks a key step in consolidating the leadership at South Africa’s highest court and ensuring judicial continuity.
“President Ramaphosa similarly thanks the incoming Deputy Chief Justice Mlambo for stepping forward to assume a new responsibility of critical national importance, and wishes Justice Mlambo well in strengthening the rule of law, enriching jurisprudence, and asserting the rights of all citizens,” the Presidency said.
Who Is Justice Dunstan Mlambo?
Justice Mlambo has built a distinguished legal career over several decades. Prior to becoming Judge President of the Gauteng Division, he served in multiple courts including the Labour Court, Supreme Court of Appeal, and various divisions of the High Court. He is widely known for landmark rulings on access to justice, socio-economic rights, and transparency in state institutions.
As Deputy Chief Justice, he will not only support the Chief Justice in judicial administration but also play a pivotal role in shaping legal precedent and upholding constitutional democracy.
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