Ramaphosa appoints Aubrey Ledwaba as Gauteng Judge President

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Aubrey Ledwaba as Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court with effect from 15 May 2026, as part of a wider round of judicial appointments announced on Wednesday.

Ledwaba’s appointment follows his April 2026 interview before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and comes months after allegations linked to the October 2025 Madlanga Commission emerged, where police officials in closed testimony accused him of impropriety in handling the bail application of alleged cartel figure Katiso “KT” Molefe. Ledwaba has denied the allegations.

He was the only candidate interviewed for the position and the JSC subsequently recommended him for the job.

Ledwaba has served as Gauteng Deputy Judge President since 2013, will take over from Dunstan Mlambo, who was recently elevated to Deputy Chief Justice.

Ramaphosa said the appointments were made in terms of Section 174(6) of the Constitution and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission to ensure courts across South Africa have the necessary capacity to administer justice.

Among the other appointments, Thandi Victoria Norman, Bashier Vally and Leonie Windell were appointed as judges of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The President also appointed Nolubabalo Cengani-Mbakaza, Sally Ann Collett and Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya to the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court.

Further appointments to the Western Cape Division of the High Court include Rodges Deon Barendse, Diane Margaret Davis, Ncumisa Thoko Mayosi, Pinda Njokweni and Phillipa Susan Van Zyl.

President Ramaphosa wished all the newly appointed judges success as they prepare to assume their new responsibilities in the judiciary.