Documents submitted by President Cyril Ramaphosa reveal that Justice Zondo was the least favoured candidate in interviews conducted by the Judicial Service Commission.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended his 2022 decision to appoint Raymond Zondo as Chief Justice despite him securing the least number of votes during the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interview process.

Ramaphosa has responded in an affidavit to a case brought by former president Jacob Zuma in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria, challenging Zondo's appointment as Chief Justice.

A letter accompanying Ramaphosa's affidavit reveals that the majority of the JSC members felt Zondo should not be chosen to lead the judiciary, saying he "was found to lack the requisite administrative skills to a Chief Justice" despite having held previous leadership positions.

The JSC instead recommended Supreme Court of Appeal President, Judge Mandisa Maya.

Ramaphosa has defended his decision, calling Zuma's case "fundamentally misconceived".

In addition to challenging the appointment, Zuma has challenged the process used by Ramaphosa.

In September 2021, the President created an advisory panel to shortlist candidates for the Chief Justice vacancy. The panel considered the credentials of several candidates nominated by members of law bodies and members of the public before recommending four candidates - then Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Supreme Court of Appeal Judge President Mandisa Maya, Gauteng Judge President Dunstan...