Thirty years after the dawn of democracy, there is a possibility that there will be a female president of the Constitutional Court. This comes after the Judiciary Commission (JSC) resolved to recommend to President Cyril Ramaphosa that Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya be appointed as Chief Justice.
JSC conducted interviews for the position on Tuesday in Sandton, Johannesburg, which is an important part of the pre-appointment consultation process.
Maya emphasized the need for an impartial judiciary.
“As I said in my last interview, our country has been through a lot of turmoil recently and faces many serious challenges. The need for a cohesive judiciary has never been greater. If I am appointed to this position, I will ensure that this institution is strong, maintains its integrity, and protects and promotes the Constitution and the law. The poor and most vulnerable in our society have guaranteed access to justice.
Maya's interview began with a vision statement of her ideas for the judiciary. This includes appointing more judges to reduce workload, reducing the size of panels to hear smaller cases and appeals, and addressing the courts' poor infrastructure. It will be.
She is also part of a team developing a sexual harassment policy for the judiciary, where the first tribunal to investigate allegations of this nature against Chief Justice Selby Mbenenge, the Eastern Cape's chief judge, will be held.
In the courts, the JSC, the body tasked with investigating impeachable conduct, has received much criticism for the length of time it takes to hold judges accountable.
Maya's criticism is unfair.
The JSC recommended that President Ramaphosa appoint Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice.
first woman
In 2022, Maya was one of four candidates interviewed for the Chief Justice position. However, Mr Ramaphosa appointed incumbent Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Maya described her time at the Constitutional Court as satisfying but difficult.
“Being appointed to that court was the biggest moment of my life. The last time I was on the Constitutional Court, things were not as hectic as they are now. We have never worked harder. We have more responsibility and more weight that our word is final in everything we decide. You have to pay special attention to everything that comes before you. Of course, the work is exhilarating.
Maya's background in the legal world is well known. During the deliberations, the Deputy Chief Justice was given the opportunity to outline his plans for the judiciary if he assumed the top position.
Maya sought to outline the challenges facing the judiciary, among them the shortage of judges. Maya called for the appointment of more judges.
She said the country's courts are under-resourced and understaffed, despite the increase in cases.
She said appointing more judges and panels would help reduce pressure on judges. As part of her long-term goals for the judiciary, she called for constitutional reform.
“These measures allow the Supreme Court to create additional panels of experienced judges or experienced senior lawyers to help screen cases presented to the justices and prepare opinions on those cases. However, a long-term solution is to amend the Constitution so that fewer judges can decide and hear applications for leave to appeal. and speed up the pace of work.”
The aspiring Supreme Court judge has sought to highlight the challenges of the Judicial Conduct Committee, a committee within the JSC, and its ability to hold judges to account. This year saw the country's first impeachment of a judge, with Western Cape Chief Justice John Hlophe being impeached.
Judicial Committee Interview 2024 | Deputy Chief Justice Maya: