APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF JUSTICE

Issued by: Judicial Service Commission

24 October 1996

With the permission of the Office of the President, the text of the written report made to the President by the Judicial Service Commission on 4 October 1996 in regard to the appointment of a new Chief Justice is released for public information. It is the view of the Office of the President that the report is not a public document. The Office is, however, prepared to permit its release in the interest of openness and the transparency of the process

Signed by: Inez Greenstein Secretary: Judicial Service Commission

4 October 1996

Mr. N R Mandela President of the Republic of South Africa Tuynhuys CAPE TOWN 8000

Dear Mr. President,

re: APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF JUSTICE

I wish to report that in terms of sec, 97(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 200 of 1993 the Judicial Service Commission met today in order to discharge its consultative function in regard to the appointment of a Chief Justice to succeed the present Chief Justice M M Corbett.

The Commission interviewed two nominees: Mr Justice I Mahomed and Mr Justice HJO van Heerden. The Commission is of the view that both nominees are fit and proper persons to be considered for appointment as Chief Justice and that either would fill the office with distinction. The consensus decision of the Commission is to recommend the appointment of Mr Justice Mahomed.

Yours sincerely, signed by: M M Corbett Chief Justice Chair: Judicial Service Commission