The letter discusses the appointment of two applicants as judges to the Constitutional Court of South Africa. It notes that the writer has no objections to the applicants. The letter recommends that candidates for judicial positions have a strong understanding of African jurisprudence and commit to continuing education on African legal traditions. It urges the president to discuss African jurisprudence with the shortlisted applicants before making the appointments.

1. 25 November 2021
Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa
President of the Republic of South Africa
Dear Hon President,
APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF REPUBLIC OF SOUTH
AFRICA
Thank you for requesting my view regarding the suitability of the 2 applicants for the
posts of Judges of the Constitutional Court.
I don’t have any objection to the applicants and appreciate that the Constitution
ensures that persons from diverse political, social, and cultural backgrounds
representing various communities and interest groups are given the opportunity to
participate in the deliberations of the Judicial Service Commission.
Based on South Africa being a strong, believing, and diverse community in terms of
culture, traditions, and religion, I would like to recommend that African jurisprudence
for judges strongly be considered. Perhaps this could be the springboard for a good
start to create a pool of judges for higher responsibilities in future.
It is also my suggestion that no judge should be appointed unless he/she commits to
update himself/herself on African jurisprudence and African sentencing.
Mr President I urge you to engage with the shortlisted applicants on their stance on
African jurisprudence before you make this important appointment.
I thank you for this opportunity to engage with you on such important appointments.
Kind Regards,
GANIEF HENDRICKS, MP
Cell: 082 780 2573
Email: mhendricks@parliament.gov.za / mwganief@mweb.co.za