Judge Molemela (Photo: UFS website)
Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa has just appointed Judge Mahube Betty Molemela as Judge President of the Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesman for the presidency, says the president made the appointment in consultation with the judicial service commission (JSC) and leaders of parties represented in the national assembly.
Molemela is the first woman to hold the position of judge president of the Free State Division of the High Court.
She served as judge president in the Free State for three years before being appointed judge of the Court of Appeal in 2018.
Molemela previously also served as a judge in the Labor and Labor Appeal Court, as acting judge of the Competition Appeal Court and as acting judge of the Constitutional Court.
She will assume her new role on June 1.
According to Magwenya, Molemela was already nominated for the position in January, after which the input of the RDK was also sought.
In April, the commission requested public comments on Molemela’s candidacy and a public interview was also conducted to evaluate her suitability for the position.
“The Chief Justice indicated that there were no objections from the public or professional legal bodies against Judge Molemela’s candidacy and that she passed her interview.
“Moreover, an overwhelming majority of the members of the RDK voted in support of Judge Molemela’s eligibility.”
Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation to Molemela for her service on the judiciary so far and wished her strength in the new role.
“Judge Molemela’s appointment gives impetus to the ongoing transformation of key institutions of our democracy, including the judiciary.
“She is an outstanding jurist who will play a cardinal role in ensuring justice for all South Africans.”
