JSC recommends three for Western Cape High Court

An advocate involved in a high-profile court battle over a Sea Point development is among three legal professionals recommended for appointment as judges to the Western Cape High Court.

Ashley Kantor SC, who was involved in the Save Our Sea Point case against Solomons Bros. Group Real Estate and the City of Cape Town, has been recommended alongside Michael Janisch SC and Zuko Mapoma following interviews by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Janisch and Kantor bring specialised legal experience

Janisch recently represented Absa Bank in its high-stakes corporate tax battle regarding Section 80J notices, which focus on the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR).

Senior Counsel Ashley Kantor was recently part of the high-profile urban development case, ‘Save Our Sea Point (SOS) v Solomons Bros. Group Real Estate & The City of Cape Town’, which was heard at the Western Cape High Court.

Mapoma brings legal and public-sector experience

Advocate Zuko Mapoma brings decades of legal, corporate and public-sector experience to his recommendation, with his career including being part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

During one of the country’s most pivotal processes of national healing and reconciliation, Advocate Mapoma played a significant role in the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), where he served as the legal officer and as part of the legal team responsible for defending the TRC against legal challenges. 

JSC interviews candidates for judicial vacancies

According to Judges Matter, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) was set to interview 44 candidates for 22 judicial vacancies across 10 superior courts, including the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape and Western Cape High Courts, as well as specialist courts.

According to Judges Matter, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) conducted interviews with the nominees to serve in various Superior Courts in Sandton from 5 to 13 October 2026.