Eastern Cape judge loses out on appointment to Appeals Court

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 Eastern Cape judge Clive Plaskett says merit should be the main consideration when considering appointments to the bench.

Plaskett was one of three candidates applying for two vacant positions on the Supreme Court of Appeal.

During his interview on Tuesday, judge Plaskett reportedly told the Judicial Services Commission that merit should trump gender or race considerations.

He faced a barrage of questions from commissioners over the principle of appointing experienced white males over less experienced black women to the bench.

Plaskett was quoted as saying that it would be justified to appoint an experienced white judge with 70 published judgement's over a black judge with less experience and no published judgement's.

The Mail and Guardian says the JSC has recommended south Gauteng High Court judges Halima Salduker and Nigel Willis for the two vacant positions.