JUSTICE Chimanlal Narotam Patel has been appointed Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, President Jacob Zuma's office said
"The Honourable Mr Justice Chimanlal Narotam Patel is Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Durban, with immediate effect in an existing vacancy," the president's office said in a statement.
Patel was the front-runner for the post. In his interview for the position with the Judicial Services Commission, he dismissed calls for his race to play a role in his selection for the job.
"If he has the qualities of a leader then he is able to lead," Patel said in response to a question from a commissioner on there being no Indian judge presidents in South Africa.
"My colleagues feel I have that. I have no difficulties."
Patel, who has sat on the Supreme Court of Appeal, was once a lecturer of Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng at the then University of Natal.
He was appointed acting judge president of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court more than a year ago, after the death of judge president Herbert Msimang.
He was also nominated for the position by 14 judges in the division and had the support of the KwaZulu-Natal Bar.
A small faction of judges and the Black Lawyers' Association in Pietermaritzburg favoured Judge Mjabuliseni Madondo for the post. Patel has been on the bench for 12 years.