The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated the 16th of August 2011 regarding the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa.

It is always difficult to give views on a candidate who has already been chosen by the Office of the President because of not being acquainted with the selection criteria used.

However, after carrying out a brief background check on the proposed nominee, I discovered two things. The nominee seems to lack pertinent Constitutional Court experience and appears controversial to say the least.

Therefore, I doubt if it would do justice to the process if I were to support his nomination. The only positive that I could casually pick up about the nominee is his age.

In your privileged position as the President of the Country, I trust you have used all the information at your disposal to arrive at this decision.

However, given an opportunity to advise and in the spirit of non-interference, I would strongly recommend that the experience of the candidate for the position of Chief Justice be accorded due regard in the selection method used.