The Office of the Chief Justice on Friday dismissed reports of friction between Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, saying there has never been any tension between them.

The office noted media reports which indicated that ahead of the February 2022 Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interview for the position of Chief Justice, there was tension between them.

Both of them were candidates nominated for the position.

“The Chief Justice and Justice Madlanga wish to set the record straight in this regard and point out that over the past 11 years during which they have been members of the Constitutional Court, there has never been any tension between them. On the contrary they have always worked very well together,” the office said.

The Chief Justice’s office said that like all other Justices of the Constitutional Court, Madlanga had given Zondo his “absolute support and cooperation” when he was acting Chief Justice and after he had been appointed as Chief Justice.

“…and since Justice Madlanga is the most senior Justice after Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice, his views are sometimes sought by the Chief Justice. That has been the case from the time the Chief Justice was acting,” the office added.

Zondo, who deputised for former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, took over the reins and acted in the role before he was officially appointed to the position of Chief Justice by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The office further highlighted that Zondo appointed Madlanga to head the Committee dealing with the relationship between the Constitutional Court and other apex courts in the world, and advises Zondo.

Madlanga also said any possible suggestion that he may have been part of any plot that related to the candidacy for the position of Chief Justice was untrue.