South Africa’s Judicial Service Commission on 3 July completed its public interviews in Johannesburg and recommended Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo for appointment as the country’s next Deputy Chief Justice. The 65-year-old jurist was selected from a short-list that included Free State Judge President Cagney Musi and will fill the vacancy created when Chief Justice Mandisa Maya was elevated earlier this year. The commission will forward its recommendation to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who holds the constitutional prerogative to make the final appointment. During questioning, Mlambo acknowledged that his age means he would reach the mandatory retirement threshold before the Chief Justice’s term ends, but argued that a shorter tenure could help groom a successor and ensure continuity at the apex court. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party, represented in Parliament by its deputy president and caucus leader John Hlophe, said it has formally written to the commission objecting to Mlambo’s nomination and will oppose his confirmation. The party did not cite specific reasons beyond stating that the judge lacks its confidence, and its stance is unlikely to halt the process in a legislature where the ruling African National Congress and other parties have welcomed the JSC’s choice.