Cape Town - The vacancy for the post of deputy judge president in KwaZulu-Natal is to remain vacant for now as none of the candidates were recommended for the post.
The Judicial Service Commission interviewed four candidates for the position on Thursday.
Judges Gregory Kruger, Kate Pillay, Mjabuliseni Madondo and Shyam Gyanda had all faced lengthy interviews in Cape Town throughout the day.
But after more than two hours of deliberations behind closed doors, JSC spokesperson Carel Fourie said none would be recommended to President Jacob Zuma for the post.
"No candidate could get the required majority of votes, hence no recommendation could be made," said Fourie.
Panellists included Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and EFF leader Julius Malema.
Recurring themes during the interviews was whether a black or Indian candidate would be better suited to advancing the judiciary's transformation stance in terms of representing all races on the bench. Candidates were also quizzed on their understanding of the separation of powers of the judiciary, legislature and the executive.
In other words, when and if judges could intervene in matters concerning the Cabinet or Parliament.
The position is likely to be advertised again.