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.
Patel is KZN chief justice
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.