In a groundbreaking move towards transparency and accountability, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has amended its regulations to conduct public interviews for judicial appointments to the High Court.

The decision aligns with the commitment to uphold constitutional principles.

The amended regulations, effective November 24, 2023, mandate that interviews for nominated candidates must be open to the public.

The decision further solidifies the undertaking made by Deputy Chief Justice Petrus Damaseb to enhance transparency in the appointment of judges during his appearance on nbc's weekly legal show, "The Wheels of Justice with Daniel Nadunya."

Following this development, the first crop of judges to be interviewed publicly will include a selection from November 17, 2023.

The shortlisted candidates include Acting Lady Justice Philanda Christiaan, Advocate Slysken Makando, and Advocate Beatrix de Jager.

The public interviews for these candidates are scheduled for Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Supreme Court.

Members of the public are invited to observe the proceedings, subject to specific conditions, or follow the live stream of the interviews on the official website of the Office of the Judiciary.

Delila Salatiel, Chief Public Relations Officer, emphasised that this move aims to enhance the transparency of the judicial appointment process.