Chief Justice Ngcobo withdraws acceptance of term extension

The Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Justice Sandile Ngcobo, has informed President Zuma that he wishes to withdraw his acceptance of the extension of his term of office, which expires on the 14th of August, 2011.

The Chief Justice said he had taken this decision in order to protect the integrity of the Office of the Chief Justice and the esteem of the Judiciary as a whole.

Chief Justice Ngcobo said he found it undesirable for a Chief Justice to be a party in litigation involving the question of whether or not he or she should continue to hold office as this detracts from the integrity of the Office of the Chief Justice and the esteem with which it is held.

The President fully understands and appreciates the position taken by the Chief Justice, and has consequently accepted the withdrawal.

The President briefed Cabinet this morning on the developments.

The President and Cabinet have expressed profound regret at the loss of an outstanding jurist who has contributed immensely to the country's jurisprudence.

The Chief Justice has made a substantial contribution to the judiciary since his appointment by President Mandela in 1996.

He is held in high regard by his peers and the entire legal fraternity. He has set an outstanding track record in defending the marginalised and in upholding human dignity and human rights, as well as in promoting access to justice for all.

The Chief Justice has, in under 18 months that he has been at the helm of the Judiciary, made an indelible mark in this prestigious office.

He has played a significant role in establishing the institutional reforms needed to define the role and place of the judiciary, within the context of judicial independence and separation of powers embodied in our Constitution.

The President will immediately initiate the process to appoint a new Chief Justice.

The President extends his gratitude to the Chief Justice on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa.

Statement issued by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, July 27 2011

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