President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) Mandisa Maya as the country’s deputy chief justice.
In a statement on Monday, the Presidency said: “President Ramaphosa made this appointment in accordance with section 174(3) of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“Justice Maya brings more than two decades of a distinguished career as a judicial officer. She is the first woman to hold the positions of deputy president and president of the Supreme Court of Appeal.”
Maya was endorsed by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) in June following a brief interview into her fitness to hold office.
Earlier this year, Ramaphosa indicated that he would nominate Maya for the position when he appointed Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to the position left vacant by retired former chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
This after the commission recommended that Maya be appointed to take over from Mogoeng.
Maya accepted the nomination and on May 3 she submitted the JSC questionnaire and other necessary and standard documentation required of persons who sought to be appointed to the position.
During her interview for the deputy justice post, Maya, who is the first woman to serve in the post, raised concerns about gender transformation in the judiciary.
“I’m the only woman head of court in this country at the moment and this body has an opportunity today to change this dismal picture at least insofar as this one vacancy is concerned,” she said at the time.
Ramaphosa has said Maya’s appointment will contribute to the ongoing process of the judiciary transformation and noted that it will also instill hope in young women.
“Justice Maya will contribute to the ongoing transformation process of the judiciary. Her ascendency to the apex court will serve as a beacon of hope for scores of young women and make them believe that South Africa is a country of possibilities, regardless of gender, social or economic circumstances,” said the president.
The 58-year-old Maya is the first female South African jurist serve as president of the SCA, a position she has been holding since May 26 2017. She is also the first female chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga following her appointment on July 1 2021.
She previously served as a judge in the Mthatha High Court, as a puisne judge of the SCA, and as deputy president of the SCA. She has also held acting positions in various courts.
Also read: JSC recommends Mandisa Maya for deputy chief justice post
Judge Mandisa Maya accepts nomination for deputy chief justice
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