Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Justice Mahube Betty Molemela as the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) in South Africa, with effect from 1 June.
The position became vacant following the appointment of the previous president of the SCA, Mandisa Maya, to the position of Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court last year.
Ramaphosa said that the appointment aligns with the government’s transformation agenda, aiming to bring about change in key institutions such as the judiciary.
“Justice Molemela’s appointment adds impetus to the continuing transformation of key institutions of our democracy, including the judiciary. Justice Molemela is an outstanding jurist who will play a critical role in entrenching justice for all South Africans,” Ramaphosa said.
Molemela, who has served as the Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court, is regarded as an exceptional jurist and is expected to contribute significantly to advancing justice for all South Africans.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has, in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution, after consulting the JSC and leaders of parties represented in the National Assembly, appointed Madam Justice Mahube Betty Molemela as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. https://t.co/pNnZ7WUKE9 pic.twitter.com/Nv14vdKqYt
— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) May 26, 2023
Her appointment came after consultations with the Judicial Service Commission and party leaders in the National Assembly, and she received positive assessments during her public interview, with no objections raised by the public or professional law bodies.
Molemela has a career spanning 15 years on the bench and holds various degrees from the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Free State.
News24 reported on Saturday that opposition parties have welcomed her appointment, with the DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach praising her strong background and qualifications.
The DA also commended the progress in achieving gender parity in the judiciary, with Molemela becoming the second woman to lead the SCA after Maya.
The GOOD party emphasised the importance of ongoing transformation in democratic institutions and celebrated the milestone of women being permitted to practice law in South Africa for 100 years.
ActionSA expressed support for Molemela’s appointment, seeing it as a step toward strong leadership in the judiciary and increased accessibility of the judicial system for all South Africans, the report said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
