Minister of Justice Appoints New Magistracy Leadership

Posted 02 November 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Judiciary & Court Administration

Brought to you by SAnews: In terms of the Magistrates Act, No. 90 of 1993, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development has confirmed executive judicial appointments to regional and district courts across four divisions, effective 1 November 2026.

Acting on the statutory recommendations of the Magistrates Commission, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, finalised appointments filling substantive vacancies for a Regional Court President and four Chief Magistrates.

The appointments effective 1 November 2026 comprise:

  • Ms T L L Nyambi: Regional Court President, Mpumalanga Regional Division (Mbombela);
  • Mr B Vogel: Chief Magistrate, Gqeberha;
  • Ms C B Bhoola: Chief Magistrate, Palm Ridge;
  • Mr I Khallil: Chief Magistrate, Durban; and
  • Ms A van der Merwe: Chief Magistrate, Mbombela.

In terms of court governance under the Magistrates’ Courts Act, No. 32 of 1944, Regional Court Presidents and Chief Magistrates exercise statutory administrative oversight within their respective divisions and sub-districts, controlling caseload allocations, roll management, and court operational efficiency.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Legal practitioners appearing before the affected regional and district benches must direct practice representations, expedited hearing applications, and administrative queries to the relevant newly designated leadership heads.
  • For your business: Law practices litigating in Gqeberha, Palm Ridge, Durban, and Mbombela should anticipate and monitor revised local court directives and allocation procedures issued under the new administrative leadership.
  • For your clients: Litigants and corporate clients with active commercial or civil disputes in these districts should see enhanced registry oversight and trial-allocation management aimed at reducing court backlogs.

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/new-appointments-magistracy-leadership

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Acts Online. Acts Online accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the article, nor does the information contained herein constitute advice, legal or otherwise.