The African National Congress (ANC) said on Friday it had confidence that under the leadership of Raymond Zondo as Chief Justice, the judiciary would remain independent and carry out Constitutional provisions.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Zondo’s appointment on Thursday, as well as his intention to nominate Justice Mandisa Maya as Deputy Chief Justice.

Zondo will commence his new role on April 1.

The ANC said it welcomed Zondo’s appointment and supported Ramaphosa’s approach in adhering to the Constitution when making the choice.

It also commended Ramaphosa for allowing the public to be part of the process by nominating and commenting on nominees.

“We reiterate our conviction that the judiciary and institutions charged with promoting and protecting our democracy should be strengthened and continually transformed more effectively to discharge their constitutional duties. They should be respected and supported as a necessary component of a humane society based on the rule of law,” the party said in a statement.

It urged transformation both in the form of judicial education content and the demographics of judicial officers.