LESBIAN JUDGE NOT SHORTLISTED

Openly lesbian high court judge Kathy Satchwell not been included in a list of recommended candidates for a post on South Africa’s Constitutional Court.

On Tuesday, Satchwell was asked to address concerns about her sexuality during interviews by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to fill the four vacant positions on the Court.

She responded that her personal life had never affected her judgements or professional life and that the Constitutional Court should be inclusive of all South Africans.

Nevertheless, Satchwell was not among the seven judges shortlisted by the JSC. The names of Johan Froneman, Raymond Zondo, Mogoeng wa Mogoeng, Mandisa Maya, Sisi Khampepe, Leona Theron and Chris Jafta were instead submitted to President Zuma for a final selection.

Controversial Judge John Hlophe was also excluded from the list following ongoing questions about his suitability for a post on the Constitutional Court.