Political parties voiced mixed reaction on Thursday about President Jacob Zuma's appointment of Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng as South Africa's new Chief Justice.

The Inkatha Freedom Party expressed disappointment, while the African Christian Democratic Party welcomed the move. The Freedom Front Plus expressed some reservations, but said it would accept Mogoeng's appointment.

The Congress of the People congratulated Mogoeng on his new position. The IFP said the current system for appointing a chief justice did not allow for the best candidate to be appointed.

"It is not only surprising but shocking that despite the massive public outcry, the president [Jacob Zuma] has simply ignored the objections and appointed this controversial candidate," IFP spokesperson Koos van der Merwe said.

"It shows an utter disrespect for public opinion, and our democracy as a whole."

Van der Merwe, who is also a member of the Judicial Service Commission, said he was considering introducing a Private Members' Bill in Parliament that could lead to changes in the way the Chief Justice was appointed.

ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe said: "We have no doubt that, given Mogoeng's lengthy experience on the bench, he will uphold the Constitution and protect the independence of the judiciary from executive interference."

He said Mogoeng would face various challenges in his new role.

"We believe he is more than able to meet these challenges. He also has a passion for facilitating access to justice, which we clearly support."

The FF Plus said it was "regrettable" Zuma did not accept its request for more candidates to be provided.

"We are of the opinion that more candidates could possibly have rendered a better result," spokesperson Corné Mulder said in a statement. Despite this the party would accept Mogoeng's appointment.

"We accept that Justice Mogoeng has been appointed as Chief Justice, and consider it to be in the best interest of the judiciary that forthwith positive co-operation is given in this regard," said Mulder.