Judge President of the Johannesburg High Court Dustan Mlambo has highlighted that he would have no difficulty serving under the leadership of a woman, even if she is younger than him.
Mlambo was speaking during his Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interview for the position of deputy chief justice of the Constitutional Court
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya had posed a question, recalling that it had been asked of her when she was interviewed for the top judicial post whether South Africa was ready for a woman to serve in the role.
Ready for a female Chief Justice
“I want you to tell us – me in particular – in front of South Africa, whether having been head of court for 14 years… calling the shots, having other people listen to you, if you would struggle or it’d pose difficulty for you, to suddenly find yourself working under the leadership of a woman, a woman who is younger than yourself?” asked Maya.
In response, Mlambo dismissed the concerns about gender or age, saying it is not an issue at all.
He reminded Maya that he had supported her appointment from early on in her rise through the judiciary.
“You will recall that when you were recommended as deputy chief justice. In fact starting as president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, we had a discussion, and I supported you. I said, It’s time. And thanks for accepting the role,” said Mlambo.
Supported previous candidate
He emphasised that he clapped for her even when she was nominated for the position of deputy chief justice. And again when she was appointed to her current position. He also told her that she could rely on his support.
“I want to believe that I lived up to that promise of supporting you, chief justice. And I don’t see myself struggling with toeing the line, I want to put it in that way.
“I am not in the judiciary for positions, chief justice. I am in the judiciary to ensure that the judiciary fulfils its constitutional mandate in whatever capacity I find myself in. And I would gladly support you and work under you and abide by your dictates and directions, chief justice. I want to assure you,” said Mlambo.
