President Jacob Zuma has appointed Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng as the country’s new chief justice.
Making the announcement at a news briefing in Pretoria, Zuma commended Mogoeng for staying silent amid criticism on his nomination.
He said Mogoeng responded at the correct forum, the Judicial Services Commission.
“The interview was no doubt the longest, most transparent and most robust ever undertaken by a candidate of chief justice in the history of this young democracy,” Zuma said.
Mogoeng will take up his position with immediate effect.
Zuma paid tribute to outgoing Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, who spent 18 months in that position.
He and his predecessor laid a good foundation for Mogoeng, Zuma said.
Moegoeng thanked Zuma for the confidence Zuma displayed in him.
“I will not betray this trust,” he said. - Sapa