…as JSC sets November interviews
Moorosi Tsiane
FOURTEEN candidates have been shortlisted for interviews to fill eight vacant Puisne Judge positions at the High Court, in a recruitment process that has attracted serving acting judges, senior legal practitioners and other prominent figures in the country’s legal fraternity.
The candidates will be interviewed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on 23 and 24 November 2026, with the exercise expected to determine who secures permanent positions on the country’s superior court bench.
Among those shortlisted are High Court and Court of Appeal Registrar Advocate ‘Mathato Sekoai, “former” Ombudsman Advocate Tlotliso Polaki and five serving acting judges.
The acting judges are Justices Manapo Motebele, Sekake Malebanye, Tsebang Putsoane, Palesa Rantara and Tšooana Lesaoana.
The other candidates are Ratsolo Thulo, Lerato Makholela, Monyake Hlabanyane, ‘Mapitso Leseeo-Rantja, Monyake Mahlehle, Senthebane Moerane and Thato Mokitimi.
The JSC announced the shortlist on Friday following its 351st meeting held on 29 October 2026.
“The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on the 19th August 2026 issued an advertisement calling for nominations and applications to fill eight (8) vacant positions of Puisne Judges of the High Court. At its 351st meeting, held on the 29th October 2026, the Commission shortlisted the following candidates to proceed to the interview stage,” reads the circular.
The 14 candidates emerged from a pool of 20 people who had been nominated or applied for the eight positions, meaning three failed to make the final cut.
Among those who did not progress to the interview stage are Mponeng Ranthithi, Tšeliso Bale, Tumisang Mosotho, Teboho Thoso, Khasiane Ramathe and Ntai Mojaje.
The JSC also announced a change in the interview dates, moving them from 4 and 5 November to 23 and 24 November 2026.
“The interviews will be held in public at a venue to be announced and members of the public and media are free to attend,” the circular states.