Maya to make history as SA’s first female Chief Justice

Mandisa Maya

Cape Town – The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has endorsed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s choice of Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as the next Chief Justice of South Africa.

Born in 1964 in the Eastern Cape, Maya will become the first woman to hold this position, having previously been the first woman judge to serve as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

During her interview, held at the Capital on the Park Hotel in Johannesburg, the JSC found Maya to be a suitable candidate.

“Following the interview for Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, the Judicial Service Commission has resolved to advise the President, that Deputy Chief Justice M M L Maya is suitable for appointment to the position of Chief Justice.

They also recommended Justice D Zondi for the role of Deputy President of the SCA.

“Following the interview for Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, the Judicial Service Commission has resolved to advise the President, that Justice D Zondi is suitable for appointment to the position of Deputy President of the SCA,” said the JSC.

Maya highlighted challenges faced by judges in South Africa, particularly concerning the safety of court buildings and personnel and the need for a functional judges’ wellness programme.

Current Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will retire in August, and Ramaphosa announced Maya as his successor in February.

Ramaphosa praised Maya’s appointment as a significant step towards the transformation of the judiciary, inspiring young women in South Africa.

Zondo has served as a Justice of the Constitutional Court since September 2012.

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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