Cape Town – Justice Mandisa Maya is South Africa’s new deputy chief justice, with effect from September 1, the Presidency announced on Monday.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Madam Justice Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya, current President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, as Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2022,” said the presidency in a statement.
Maya will replace current chief justice Raymond Zondo, who took up the job in April after Mogoeng Mogoeng’s departure.
She is the first woman to hold the position.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA APPOINTS JUDGE MAYA TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT
President @CyrilRamaphosa has appointed Madam Justice Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya, current President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, as Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2022. pic.twitter.com/9M4KtgVn2S
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) July 25, 2022
“Justice Maya will contribute to the ongoing transformation process of the judiciary. Her ascendency to the apex court will serve as a beacon of hope for scores of young women and make them believe that South Africa is a country of possibilities, regardless of gender, social or economic circumstances,” said President Ramaphosa
Maya ran for the position of Chief Justice earlier this year.
She was the only woman among four candidates for the position.
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She went against Raymond Zondo, Gauteng Judge President Dunstan Mlambo and Justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga.
During the interview, Maya was questioned about the changes she could bring to the judicial system as a woman, EWN reported.
She said her nomination represented an opportunity for the JSC to change the current situation.
“I’m the only woman head of court in this country at the moment and this body has an opportunity today to change this dismal picture at least insofar as this one vacancy is concerned,” said Maya, as quoted by the report.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
