[1] In April 2016, the Judicial Service Commission interviewed Phatudi as a candidate for permanent appointment to the recently established Limpopo Division.
Julius Malema, a member of the commission, pressed Phatudi on his business interests and political affiliations, in particular about his former membership in the African National Congress.
[1] The Judicial Service Commission recommended Phatudi and Gerrit Muller for the vacancies,[4] and President Jacob Zuma confirmed their appointment with effect from 1 July 2016.
[8] In July 2022, the Judicial Service Commission announced that Phatudi was one of three candidates shortlisted for possible appointment to succeed Ephraim Makgoba as Judge President of the Limpopo Division.
The same group also alleged that Phatudi had attempted improperly to block the appointment of Violet Semenya as Limpopo Deputy Judge President.