President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday, July 25, 2024, the appointment of Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s new chief justice, marking the first time a woman will head the country’s judiciary.
Maya, currently the deputy chief justice, will assume office on September 1, following the conclusion of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s term on August 31. Her appointment is seen as a significant milestone for South Africa’s judiciary.
President Ramaphosa confirmed Maya’s appointment after consultations with the Judicial Service Commission and political parties, following her nomination in February.
Maya, 60, is a married mother of three children and one of four women among the Supreme Court’s ten permanent judges. Analysts highlight the prominent role of women in South Africa’s judiciary and legislature, noting that more than 40 percent of federal lawmakers are women. Additionally, both the National Assembly speaker and her deputy are women.
The Presidency remarked in a statement, “Maya’s appointment reflects the growing gender diversity within South Africa’s highest judicial and legislative ranks.”
