New appointments in magistracy leadership

Monday, November 2, 2026

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has, on the Magistrates Commission's recommendation, made appointments to the magistracy leadership.          

The appointments are with effect from 1 November 2026.

The Minister has made the following appointments:

- Ms T L L Nyambi as Regional Court President for the Mpumalanga Regional Division, Mbombela;

- Mr B  Vogel as Chief Magistrate, Geberha;

-  Ms CB Bhoola as Chief Magistrate, Palm Ridge;

- Mr IKhallil as Chief Magistrate, Durban;

-  Ms A van der Merwe as Chief Magistrate, Mbombela.

Deputy Minister Andries Nel, to whom the Minister has delegated the responsibility for matters relating to Magistrates' Courts and the Magistracy, highlighted the importance of the posts.

"Regional Court Presidents and Chief Magistrates play vital leadership roles within their respective regions and districts, overseeing court operations and directing the allocation of caseloads. Their leadership is crucial for a well-functioning justice system. 

"By streamlining processes and through effective management, their leadership improves the functioning of courts, reduces trial backlogs and minimises delays,” the Deputy Minister said in a statement.

Minister Kubayi warmly welcomed the new appointments and emphasised that the new appointments will significantly enhance the capacity and efficiency of courts.

"We congratulate the new Regional Court President and the four new Chief Magistrates in their new roles. They bring a wealth of experience and their appointments improve access to justice and bolster public confidence in our courts.

We also reiterate our ongoing commitment to a single, unified judiciary that includes the Magistracy, and to a fully judicial-led court administration model," said Minister Kubayi. -SAnews.gov.za