John Smith

John Eldrid Smith (born 5 November 1958) is a South African judge who has served in the Supreme Court of Appeal since July 2024. He joined the bench in July 2010 as a judge of the Eastern Cape Division in the High Court of South Africa. Before that, he was the chief executive officer of Smith Tabata Inc., which he co-founded in 1984.

Early life and education Smith was born on 5 November 1958 in Herschel, a small town near Sterkspruit in what was then the Cape Province (now the Eastern Cape). He grew up in nearby Queenstown, matriculating in 1976 at Maria Louw High School. The JSC recommended his appointment, which President Jacob Zuma confirmed the following month. He took office on 26 July 2010 in the Eastern Cape Division, and he was based at the division's seat in Grahamstown. According to Judges Matter, he distinguished himself in property law matters. the position ultimately went to Selby Mbenenge.

While serving in the High Court, Smith spent three terms as an acting judge in the Supreme Court of Appeal, first from October 2021 to March 2022 and then from April 2024 to September 2024. On neither occasion did the Judicial Service Commission recommend Smith for appointment. The commission's October 2023 deliberations were later made public in court filings, and it transpired that Smith had been one of the top five candidates (among ten in total) but had failed to receive the support of a majority of the panel.

Supreme Court of Appeal: 2024–present The third time Smith was shortlisted for the Supreme Court of Appeal, as one of ten candidates for three vacancies in May 2024, He joined the higher court on 1 July 2024.

Personal life He is married to Naomi Josephine Smith and has two children.