Rhodes University LLB final year students, Chris McConnachie and John Shija have been chosen to work as clerks in the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg. McChonnachie will take up his new position in January while Shija will occupy his post from June 2010 till July 2011.

McConnachie has been appointed to the office of Chief Justice Pius Langa and Shija to Justice Yvonne Mokgoro. "I am very excited. It is going to be an incredible time to be at the court," said McConnachie. Shija is also proud of his achievement, "I am looking forward to working at the Constitutional Court, it is a great honour."

The post is advertised annually to Rhodes students, mainly from the Law Faculty. Out of the candidates that have applied from across the country, 50 were chosen for interviews. Shija and McConnachie were the only successful Rhodes students.

Being a clerk involves different tasks including research, drafting memorandums, working in court with the judges and taking note of arguments, administration work and assisting in the preparation of judgements.

After his year in practice, McConnachie hopes to obtain a scholarship at a university abroad so he can do his Masters in Law. Shija will start working at a law firm called Webber Wentzel in Johannesburg in January 2010.

Story by Enathi Mqokeli

Grocott's Mail: Tuesday, 21 July 2009