Cape Town - Opposition parties have reacted with shock after EFF leader Julius Malema was included as a new member of the Judicial Services Commission, which is responsible for appointing the country's judges.
Sapa reported on Tuesday that Malema was appointed as one of the 10 new members of the JSC, along with former ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga and former Cabinet minister Thoko Didiza.
Others elected to the JSC are the DA's Hendrik Schmidt, the IFP's Narend Singh and the ANC's Dikeledi Magadzi.
Members of the National Council of Provinces who will serve on the JSC include the ANC's Thandi Modise, Tsapane Mampuru, Dikgang Stock and Dumisane Ximbi.
The JSC is responsible for interviewing judges and making recommendations to President Jacob Zuma on judicial appointments. It also handles complaints against judges.
'Outrageous'
According to Beeld, Malema's appointment was greeted with surprise because he has been charged with corruption, money laundering and racketeering. He is due to return to court in September.
FF+ chief whip Corné Mulder described Malema's appointment as "outrageous", saying JSC members should understand the judicial process, not have several cases pending against them.
A DA MP said the party hoped Malema would render his duties in the JSC in the interests of an independent judiciary.
However, an ANC spokesperson told Beeld that the party has no objections as Malema is an MP and may represent Parliament, adding that Malema has not yet been found guilty of any crime.
Advocate Paul Hoffman, director of the Institute for Accountability in Southern Africa, said Malema has more than enough experience if the appointment is based on his experience in the equality court, insolvency court and soon the criminal court.
