President Thabo Mbeki appointed Justice Dikgang Ernest Moseneke as deputy chief justice on Tuesday, saying he and the new Chief Justice Pius Langa now faced the challenge of speeding up the transformation of the judiciary.
Presidential spokesperson Bheki Khumalo said Mbeki had thanked outgoing Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson for his role in transforming the judiciary but said Langa and Moseneke needed to speed up the process.
Langa and Moseneke take up their posts on June 1.
"President Mbeki has formally appointed Justice Dikgang Ernest Moseneke as the deputy Chief Justice of South Africa with effect from June 1, 2005," Khumalo said.
"The president pointed to the challenges facing the incoming leadership of the court, Chief Justice Pius Langa and deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, in speeding up the transformation of the judiciary in particular and the legal fraternity in general."
Mbeki said Chaskalson had laid the foundations for a constitutional democracy.
Khumalo said Mbeki had consulted with the Judicial Services Commission and the leaders of the parties represented in the National Assembly about Moseneke's appointment.
"The JSC, after having interviewed Justice Moseneke, conveyed its support to the president on his appointment as deputy Chief Justice," he said.
Mbeki also appointed new judges on Tuesday.
Cagney John Musi was appointed to the Free State provincial division. Judge Thababi Sibusiso Brian Jali was appointed as the deputy Judge President of the Natal Provincial Division.
Sharmaine Renuka Balton was appointed to the Natal Provincial Division while Ntendeya Moses Mavundla, Seun Dimpheletse Stanley Moshidi, William Richard Collins Prinsloo and Zukisa Laurah Lumka Tshiqi were appointed to the Transvaal Provincial Division and Xola Mlungisi Petse was appointed to the Transkei Division. - Sapa