The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recommended Judge Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana for the position of Judge President of the Western Cape Division of the High Court.

This decision follows a series of interviews held since last week, to fill vacancies in South Africa’s superior courts.

The JSC announced its recommendation, before midnight on Monday.

Mabindla-Boqwana’s legal career spans over 25 years. She began as a vacation student at Pillay Meyer Attorneys in Port Elizabeth before qualifying as an attorney in 1998. Her career includes positions in corporate legal practice, founding her own consultancy, and serving as an acting judge in various courts.

Mabindla-Boqwana’s judicial experience is extensive. In 2013, she was appointed as a permanent judge of the Western Cape High Court, following her recommendation by the Judicial Service Commission.

She has since delivered several influential judgments, including one that led to the recognition of Islamic marriages by the South African government. Her rulings have been upheld by the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.

She has also served as a Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal since 2021.

READ MORE: Mabindla-Boqwana’s resume

If appointed, Mabindla-Boqwana will succeed the impeached Judge President, Dr John Hlophe.

The final decision now rests with President Cyril Ramaphosa.