Opposition parties expressed regret on Thursday that Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke did not get the nod as next the Chief Justice, but still welcomed President Jacob Zuma's nomination of Sandile Ngcobo for the post.

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) chief whip Koos van der Merwe said he was "very surprised that President Zuma did not nominate Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke for the post, because he is without doubt the most suitable candidate".

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) echoed the sentiment.

Party leader Kenneth Meshoe added:" We believe what could have led to Masoneke not being appointed was his criticism of the African National Congress (ANC)."

Moseneke reportedly angered the ruling party when he remarked shortly before its watershed conference in Polokwane in 2007 that the future of the country did not lie with the delegates at the meeting - where Zuma won control of the ANC - but with the electorate at large.

Both the IFP and the ACDP nevertheless gave their support to
Ngcobo, with the IFP saying it was glad that at least his nomination "eliminates the controversial Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe from the race".

"We are confident that Judge Ngcobo will fulfil his duties as the new Chief Justice impeccably and we wish him success."

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille reserved comment, saying as Zuma had to consult opposition leaders about his choice, she would speak about it publicly only after talking to the President.

The ANC congratulated Ngcobo on his nomination and praised his human rights track record.

"His career as a lawyer was spent defending the most vulnerable people in our country," the party said in a statement.

The party thanked Chief Justice Pius Langa, who retires in October, for the "dignified and diligent" manner in which he led the Constitutional Court. "We wish him a well-deserved retirement."

The ANC's alliance partner, the South African Communist Party, said Ngcobo was "broadminded in his application of the law and yet at the same time, passionate to find truth and or facts".