Deputy Justice Mandisa Maya has been appointed to assume the rolE of Chief Justice from 1 September 2024, making her the first woman to occupy the Justice Office following the official announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The appointment is in line with Section 174 Sub-section 3 of The Constitution of The Republic of South Africa.
She will succeed Justice Raymond Zondo who is about to retire.
Research and Advocacy from Judges Matter, Mbekezeli Benjamin said the news is symbolically significant as it is the first time that a woman has reached this level in the judiciary.
“This is a momentous occasion. We are proud of the moment because South Africa is one of a few countries in the world that has a woman as a top judge, “said Benjamin.
The news also came as the country will celebrate wamen’s month in August.
She was formerly the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal from 2017 to 2022. Benjamin added that in that period she transformed the court by bringing in more women at the bench as well as well as Black judges.
In September 2022, President Ramaphosa appointed her as the first woman Deputy Chief Justice.
She has also worked as the president of the South African chapter of the International Association of Women Judges from 2018 to 2023, and she was appointed as the Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga on 1 July 2021.
Benjamin also added that Maya is expected to transform the judiciary as for the longest time there has been complaints that the judiciary is run by The Justice Minister and the officials.
On the accessibility of the justice system to the poor who can’t afford exorbitant legal fees, Benjamin said he is hopeful that Justice Maya will intervene and transform the judiciary and make it accessible and affordable to the poor.
Justice Maya will also be the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) where the impeached Western High Court Judge John Hlophe has been appointed to serve.