The Democratic Alliance has reserved immediate comment on President Jacob Zuma's nomination of Constitutional Court judge Mogoeng Mogoeng as chief justice.
DA leader Helen Zille on Tuesday confirmed receiving a letter from Zuma asking for the DA's comments on Mogoeng's suitability for the position.
"The president has asked for my comments and response by the 24th of August 2011," she said.
The DA would now carefully consider Mogoeng's track record, jurisprudence and past commitment to the independence of the judiciary.
In addition, given the proposed expanded functions and office of the chief justice within the new legislative framework of the courts, any nominee for the position would need to have clearly displayed superior administrative and financial skills in his or her career to date.
"We will discuss and debate the president's nominee internally before we comment on Mr Justice Mogoeng's suitability for the office of chief justice," Zille said.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zuma nominated Mogoeng to replace former chief justice Sandile Ngcobo, whose term of office ended on Sunday.
In terms of the Constitution, Zuma has to appoint the chief justice after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and leaders of parties represented in the National Assembly.
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