Pretoria - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Dr Zweli Mkhize has welcomed the appointment of Judge Narotem Patel by President Jacob Zuma to serve as provincial High Court Judge President.
The announcement of Patel's appointment was made on Tuesday by the President in Cape Town.
Mkhize described Judge Patel as a courageous, hard-working and compassionate person loved by all because of his relaxed and engaging manner with colleagues and clients.
"Judge Patel has distinguished himself as a pioneer of justice; all members of the Executive Council are looking forward to working with the new incumbent in order to ensure that the majority of people are able to exercise their constitutional rights, including accessing justice.
"His personable demeanor, his breadth of knowledge, his ability to get to the nub of a legal tangle in no time makes him more suitable for the post of Judge President... these are the qualities that he will bring to his office and are committed to working with him to align the justice system in line with the requirements of the constitution," Mkhize said on Wednesday.
Patel was appointed acting judge president of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court more than a year ago, after the death of Judge President Herbert Msimang.
His appointment starts with immediate effect.
Mkhize also congratulated other judges who were appointed to the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Durban, including Jacqueline Irene Henriques, Zaba Philip Nkosi and Rashid Abdul Kader Vahed.
"This province is fortunate to have judges of outstanding qualifications and immeasurable experience acquired over the years."
