South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Judge Mandisa Maya as the country’s new Chief Justice, making her the first woman to hold the position.
Maya, 60, will succeed Raymond Zondo, whose term ends in August.
The presidency noted that “Justice Maya would be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice,” which marks a “significant milestone.”
Maya’s appointment comes after Ramaphosa consulted the Judicial Service Commission and political parties, following her nomination in February. She was previously recommended for the position by the Judicial Service Commission in 2022, but Ramaphosa chose Zondo instead.
As the current deputy to Zondo, Maya is one of four women among the Constitutional Court’s 10 permanent judges. She is a married mother of three and will now lead South Africa’s top court.
South Africa is known for having one of the most progressive constitutions globally and boasts significant female representation in public life. Over 40 percent of lawmakers, including the National Assembly speaker and her deputy, are women.
As Chief Justice, Maya will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s legal landscape and upholding its progressive constitution. Her appointment is a significant step forward for gender equality and representation in South Africa’s judiciary.
