President Jacob Zuma has announced the four members who are to serve on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).

Senior counsel Ismael Semenya, Dumisa Ntsebeza, Vas Soni and Andiswa Ndoni were appointed on Sunday, after consultations with the leaders of all parties represented in the National Assembly and consideration to parts of Section 178 of the Constitution.

The four will replace advocate George Bizos, one of South Africa's most experienced legal minds, state advocate Kgomotso Moroko, SC, former head of the ANC Legal and Constitutional Commission and acting Northern Province Premier Advocate Seth Nthai and representative of labour and the Public Service Commission John Ernstzen.

In terms of the Constitution, the President may appoint four members to the commission after consulting all political parties in Parliament, but that does not mean he is bound by any of their objections.

President Zuma expressed his appreciation to the outgoing members for their service to the country as members of the JSC, and wished them well in their responsibilities.

The JSC is the body that interviews judges for appointment to the court, and from their ranks the President chooses a Chief Justice for the country.

Last month, the JSC set aside five days to interview candidates for the Supreme Court of Appeal bench.

However, the JSC suspended the shortlisting and interviewing of candidates following a request from newly appointed Justice Minister Jeff Radebe. The minister had wanted to consider issues relating to the independence of the Judiciary as well as its transformation.

The commission is set to interview for four positions for the Constitutional Court in September.

Meanwhile, the JSC concluded its meeting at the weekend, without announcing candidates who will be publicly interviewed for positions in the Constitutional Court, where there are four vacancies to be filled.