President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s chief justice with effect from September 1, making her the first woman to head the country’s judiciary.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in a statement late Thursday that the appointment followed wide-ranging consultations Ramaphosa has had over the past few months with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in South Africa’s parliament over Maya’s suitability for the top judiciary job.
Maya, who is currently deputy chief justice, is expected to replace Chief Justice Raymond Zondo who retires on August 31 at the end of his 12-year term at the Constitutional Court.
Prior to becoming deputy chief justice in 2022, Maya was president of South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal.
Her ascendency to the top of South Africa’s judicial system is seen as a beacon of hope for scores of young women in the country.
JN/APA