President Cyril Ramaphosa Names Mandisa Maya As South Africa’s First Female Chief Justice
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mandisa Maya as the new Chief Justice of South Africa, making her the first woman to hold this position. Maya, currently serving as Deputy Chief Justice, will start her new role on September 1.
Vincent Magwenya, the President’s spokesperson, announced the appointment, noting that it followed consultations with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and leaders of political parties in the National Assembly, as mandated by the Constitution.
Maya’s suitability for the role was confirmed by the JSC after her interview on May 21. “The commission subsequently assured the president of Justice Maya’s suitability to lead the judiciary in the country based on the interview, Justice Maya’s qualifications and judicial record, her leadership qualities, her experience as a judge in various courts, her past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and her role as deputy chief justice,” Magwenya stated.
He also highlighted the significance of Maya’s appointment, as she is the first woman to become Chief Justice in South Africa.
“President Ramaphosa appreciates the confidence expressed by the Judicial Service Commission and leaders of political parties in the suitability of the incoming Chief Justice, who can draw inspiration and support from the confidence expressed in her,” Magwenya added. Justice Mandisa Maya’s appointment is anticipated to usher in a new era of leadership for South Africa’s judiciary.
