FORMER public protector Selby Baqwa has been recommended by the Judicial Service Commission to be appointed as a judge of the North and South Gauteng High Court

The JSC said it had recommended eight candidates to President Jacob Zuma to fill court vacancies around the country.

But it deplored the lack of suitable candidates, saying it could only recommend three candidates, including Baqwa, to fill six vacancies in Gauteng. Neither of the two candidates interviewed for the position of deputy judge president in KwaZulu-Natal were recommended.

"The JSC remains concerned about the number of competent and appropriately qualified candidates who are not making themselves available to be considered for appointment to the bench," said advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza and spokesman Carel Fourie of the JSC. They urged competent and appropriately qualified candidates to consider making themselves available "so as to contribute in building a judiciary that all South Africans would be proud of".

Asked why candidates were reluctant to be nominated, Ntsebeza said there was much speculation on the issue.

"The truth is, we do not know," he said. Discussions on the subject were confidential.

The JSC recommended Judge Dunstan Mlambo for the post of judge president of the North and South Gauteng High Court.

This position would take effect from November 1, when incumbent Bernard Ngoepe retires.

Justice Xola Petse and Justice Ronnie Pillay have been recommended for the Supreme Court of Appeal. Elizabeth Kubushi and advocate Bashier Vally were also recommended for appointment to the North and South Gauteng High Court. Bulelwa Pakati was recommended for appointment as a judge of the Northern Cape High Court. - Sapa