Prof. Elmien du Plessis announced as a recommended Judge for the Gauteng Division of the High Court

The Gauteng Division of the High Court has six vacancies that needed to be filled. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) conducted interviews with potential candidates. On Thursday, October 10, at the Maslow Hotel in Johannesburg, Prof. Elmien du Plessis, a full professor at the University of Pretoria's Department of Public Law, who specializes in constitutional law, expropriation law, constitutional property law, customary law, traditional knowledge, and commons, agreed to be interviewed by the JSC. 

To make sure that the general public is aware of and comprehends the procedure for appointing judicial officers, the interviews are televised and live-streamed online. The quality of candidates that were present at the several interviews and the sense of public participation in the process of appointing judges have generated a lot of discussion about these interviews.

In addition to being a full professor, Prof. du Plessis is an advocate at the South African High Court. She is passionate about highlighting the human aspect of the law and making sure that laws have practical applications. She teaches land law, legal interpretation, and negotiation in addition to her expertise in expropriation law. Possessing a great deal of expertise in using restorative justice techniques to settle conflicts, being a skilled mediator, and having a strong interest in using integrative law techniques to settle legal problems.

The six applicants who will take on the unique role of judges of the Gauteng Division of the High Court division to serve in the South African court were revealed by the Office of the Chief Justice on October 11. Among the six chosen applicants was Professor Elmien du Plessis. Congratulations began to come in from the Department Head, Prof. Zozo Dyani-Mhango, the Dean, Prof. Elsabe Schoeman, and the Deputy Dean, Prof. Charles Maimela. Friends, colleagues, previous students, and academic peers also celebrated Prof. du Plessis's achievement.

The JSC has the authority to advise the national government on any topics pertaining to the judiciary or the administration of justice. It also conducts interviews for judicial positions, makes recommendations for appointment to the court, and handles complaints filed against judges. Section 174 of the Constitution requires the JSC to send a list of recommended applicants to serve as judicial officers. In South Africa, a judge is the presiding officer of a superior court. Judges typically hold office for a non-renewable term of 12-15 years or until they reach the age of 70, whichever comes first. 

To be considered for a judicial officer, one must first get a South African-recognised legal qualification, be admitted to the legal profession, and be nominated for a JSC interview process. After consulting with the Chief Justice and the leaders of the political parties represented in the National Assembly, the President will pick the judges based on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). 

Prof du Plessis' appointment to the Gauteng Division of the High Court is a source of great pride for the University of Pretoria, Faculty of Law, Department of Public Law, and the broader academic community. May her legal expertise make a significant contribution to the South African judicial landscape.