The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has put forth a recommendation for the appointment of Joburg regional magistrate Andrew Reddy as a North West Judge.
This decision came after a thorough evaluation process conducted by the commission.
“The JSC interviewed three candidates for the position of Judge of the North West Division of the High Court. Following deliberations, the JSC decided to recommend Mr Andrew Reddy for appointment. To be done by the President of the Republic,” JSC Spokesperson Mvuso Notyesi said during a media briefing on Wednesday.
Impressive legal career
Andrew Reddy, from Clairwood, Durban, has navigated various legal territories throughout his distinguished career. He started as a dual prosecutor and court clerk at the Kranskop magistrate’s court. Reddy gradually ascended through the legal ranks, Judges Matter reports.
He served as a district magistrate in Weenen, KwaZulu-Natal. Then advanced to the role of regional magistrate in various locations including Estcourt, Protea, and Lenasia in Gauteng.
Transitioning through different regions, Reddy’s expertise encompassed a broad spectrum of legal proceedings. From criminal to civil cases. Notably, his tenure at the Lenasia regional court saw him presiding over a myriad civil cases, adding depth to his acumen.
Acting judge in North West
Reddy’s foray into the North West High Court began in October 2022, where he undertook the role of an acting judge. Over a span of four and a half court terms, he diligently discharged his duties. He oversaw both civil and criminal cases with finesse.
However, Reddy is not the sole candidate recommended by the JSC. Judge Zeenat Carelse, an esteemed judge from the Supreme Court of Appeal, made the cut too. She has been nominated for the position of judge president of the Land Court.
Carelse was up against judges Susannah Cowen, Shanaaz Mia and Muzikawakhelwana Ncube.
Meanwhile, the JSC faced challenges in fulfilling its constitutional mandate during the selection process for the Constitutional Court Justice position this week. The commission was unable to recommend the requisite number of candidates to the Presidency. This despite interviewing four candidates. It was due to one candidate not meeting the necessary requirements.
ConCourt Chief Justice and Supreme Court of Appeal deputy president
Consequently, the vacancy in the Constitutional Court persists. The next round of interviews is slated for October 2024. In the interim, the JSC is soliciting comments for the nominations for ConCourt Chief Justice and Supreme Court of Appeal deputy president.
“The JSC is required to recommend four candidates for each vacancy. …Only three candidates were found suitable. as a result, the JSC could not make a recommendation to the President,” the commission said.
Furthermore, in recent deliberations for the Electoral Court, the JSC decided against recommending any of the interviewed candidates. These included highly experienced judges Leicester Adams and Seena Yacoob.
“The JSC interviewed two candidates for the position of Judge Member of the Electoral Court. Following deliberations, the JSC decided not to recommend any of the candidates for appointment.”
