Mandisa Maya is sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (Photo by Gallo Images/The Sunday Times/Alon Skye)
PNigerian President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maja as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024, pursuant to section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996,” the presidency said in a statement.
Maja will succeed Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who retires at the end of August, and become the first woman to head South Africa's judiciary.
In a statement, President Ramaphosa noted the historic significance of her appointment in this regard.
He said the Judicial System Commission (JSC), after interviewing Maya in May, had assured him that she was suitable for the position, taking into consideration her judicial record, leadership qualities, experience as a judge in various courts, past leadership at the Supreme Court of Appeal and her role as Deputy Chief Justice.
“The commissioners also advised that Justice Maya's appointment would mark an important milestone for the country as she would be the first woman to be appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in South Africa,” he said.
He added that Maya “can draw inspiration and support from the confidence she displays.”
She was the candidate nominated for the post by President Ramaphosa, while Mr Zondo was one of four candidates shortlisted by a committee convened by the president to assist in the selection process.
This sparked some controversy as, breaking with past practice, the JSC nominated Maya for appointment rather than commenting on the relative merits of each candidate.
President Ramaphosa said the commission had exceeded its mandate and appointed Zondo without following its recommendations, then quickly named Maja as deputy president.
Maya served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal from 2017 until her appointment as Deputy Chief Justice in July 2022. She is also the first woman to hold the position.
In an interview with the JSC, Maya said he was in favor of increasing the number of Constitutional Court judges by four to 15 and amending the constitution to allow a panel of judges to vet applications to the court in order to streamline court procedures.