Ramaphosa appoints Mandisa Maya as SA’s new chief justice

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s new chief justice with effect from 1 September 2024.

Maya is the current deputy chief justice, and will take over from Raymond Zondo.

The presidency made the announcement on Thursday.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in May resolved to support Ramaphosa’s selection of Maya as the country’s next chief justice.

ALSO READ: Mandisa Maya says Chief Justice position comes with ‘enormous responsibility’

Chief Justice

Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa welcomed the JSC’s recommendation.

“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.”

The appointment follows Ramaphosa’s consultation, in accordance with the Constitutional prescripts, with JSC and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly (NA).

In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in February, Ramaphosa informed the JSC of his intention to appoint Maya as the chief justice as Zondo’s term comes to an end on 31 August.

Mammoth task

Maya will face a mammoth as chief justice, because her leadership is seen as pivotal in navigating the judiciary through its current challenges.

She outlined her vision before the JSC, while acknowledging the significant duties that came with the role of the chief justice and leading the judiciary.

She assured the panel that she understood the position came with “enormous responsibility” and acknowledged the challenges that face the judicial system. Maya said she would maintain the judiciary’s independence and accountability.

Maya, born in the Eastern Cape in 1964, is the first woman to be appointed to the position. She was also the first female judge to serve as the president of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

ALSO READ: JSC endorses Mandisa Maya as SA’s next Chief Justice