Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola on Thursday explained that owing to the State often being involved in litigious matters, the appointment of the acting solicitor-general will transform the State’s litigation strategy.

Lamola announced the appointment of Fhedzisani Pandelani as the acting solicitor-general for a period of two years. Pandelani’s appointment was effective immediately.

“The State is frequently involved in various litigious matters, often at great expense to the fiscus. The appointment of the solicitor-general will greatly assist in transforming the State’s litigation strategy.” said the Minister.

Lamola expressed confidence towards Pandelani, saying he will provide the requisite leadership and expertise to help the Office of the State Attorney become more efficient and effective, he said.

The Minister explained that tackling the ever-increasing State liability was an urgent priority as well as capacitating the officers of the State Attorney to collect recoveries on behalf of the State from third parties.

The department explained that the State Attorney Amendment Act empowered the Minister to appoint any person who meets the required criteria for appointment as an acting solicitor-general.

It further stated that the person must be a fit and proper person with due regard to his or her experience, conscientiousness and integrity. He or she must be admitted as an attorney or advocate of the High Court of South Africa or could be any person who was previously admitted as such, who had not been struck off the Roll and is eligible to be re-admitted, the Justice and Correctional Services Ministry added.

Pandelani is chairperson of the Gauteng Liquor Board and the chairperson of an external panel on appeals in terms of section 43 (5) National Management Act in Gauteng. He holds various qualifications from the University of the Witwatersrand.

The Ministry said the acting solicitor-general will oversee all litigation on behalf of the State and was the executive officer of all offices of the State Attorney, who will exercise control, direction and supervision over all offices of State Attorney.

Lamola expressed his gratitude to the hundreds of legal practitioners who expressed interest in appointment to the position.