South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed new judges to several courts, including the Supreme Court of Appeal, in a move the Presidency says is aimed at strengthening the judiciary and improving the administration of justice.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Presidency said the appointments were made “in terms of section 174(6) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission."
The appointments span the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Gauteng High Court, and the Eastern and Western Cape divisions of the High Court.
Among the key appointments is Madam Justice Thandi Victoria Norman, who will assume office as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal from May 15, 2026. Mr Justice Bashier Vally and Madam Justice Leonie Windell were also appointed to the Supreme Court of Appeal, effective from June 1, 2026.
The Presidency further confirmed that Justice Aubrey Phage Ledwaba has been appointed as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court from May 15, 2026.
In the Eastern Cape, Ms Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza will serve in the Mthatha division of the High Court from July 1, 2026, while Advocate Sally Ann Collett and Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya have been appointed to the Makhanda division.
Several appointments were also announced for the Western Cape Division of the High Court, including Rodges Deon Barendse, Advocate Diane Margaret Davis SC, Advocate Ncumisa Thoko Mayosi, Advocate Pinda Njokweni and Advocate Phillipa Susan Van Zyl.
The Presidency said the appointments are intended “to ensure courts have the necessary capacity to administer justice”.
President Ramaphosa also extended well wishes to the newly appointed judges, saying he “wishes the judges well as they assume their responsibilities”.
The appointments come as South Africa’s judiciary continues to face mounting pressure from growing court rolls, lengthy case backlogs and increasing public demand for efficient access to justice.