President Ramaphosa Appoints New Judges

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed various judges to different divisions throughout South Africa to ensure that the courts possess the necessary resources to deliver justice effectively.

The Presidency announced today, Wednesday, 13 May 2026, that President Ramaphosa has made the following appointments:

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

President Ramaphosa extended his best wishes to the judges as they take on their new roles.