SA bolsters judiciary with new High Court and SCA appointments

Image source: Magnific.com

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.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Presidency said the appointments were made to “ensure courts have the necessary capacity to administer justice”.

The judicial appointments are as follows:

• Madam Justice Thandi Victoria Norman as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 15 May 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Mr Justice Bashier Vally as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, with effect from 1 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Madam Justice Leonie Windell as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal with effect from 1 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Mr Justice Aubrey Phage Ledwaba as a Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court, with effect from 15 May 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Ms Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Mthatha with effect from 1 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Advocate Sally Ann Collett as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Makhanda with effect from 1 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the Court, Makhanda with effect from 1 August 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Mr Rodges Deon Barendse as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 1 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Advocate Diane Margaret Davis SC as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 1 July 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Advocate Ncumisa Thoko Mayosi as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 1 June 2026 in an existing vacancy;
  
• Advocate Pinda Njokweni as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 1 June 2026 in an existing vacancy; and
  
• Advocate Phillipa Susan Van Zyl as a Judge of the Western Cape Division of the High Court, with effect from 1 June 2026 in an existing vacancy.

The President has wished the judges well as they assume their responsibilities.