Maya’s nomination lauded as a turning point for SA judiciary

February 28, 2024 80

Political analyst, Professor Sam Koma, says the nomination of Justice Mandisa Maya as the next Chief Justice marks a turning point for the country’s judiciary.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the nomination yesterday.

The Deputy Chief Justice will become the first female to occupy the top judicial position not just in South Africa, but the entire continent.

Maya will assume office on the 1st of September after Chief Justice Raymond Zondo’s term comes to an end.

Judge Maya previously held the positions of Deputy President and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Koma says Maya’s rise to the top historic.

“Majority of capable women are still occupying the lower ranks in many judicial regimes.”

Legal Practitioner, Advocate Nosipho Khumalo, echoed the same sentiments as Koma, saying transformation within the judiciary was long overdue.

She says seeing women only occupying positions such as magistrates and officers of the court is not enough.

“We are ready for female leaders because for a very long time we have known that at the head of every department or institution, even politically, you would see men. But now, we are slowly changing towards introducing women in top positions not just administrative positions.”

Khumalo added that the hesitance towards female leaders only exists in places where it’s never been done before.

“This is a good place to start introducing female leaders, in politics, in the judiciary and everywhere.”

Leaders of political parties have been invited to make submissions on Judge Maya’s nomination in the National Assembly.

Welcoming Maya’s nomination, the EFF said she should have been appointed shortly when former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s term came to an end.

The EFF’s Statement Welcoming the Nomination of Justice Mandisa Maya as the Next Chief Justice of South Africa

– The EFF firmly believes she should have been appointed immediately upon the conclusion of former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s term. The delay, coupled with the… pic.twitter.com/J9Xmlkygs1

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 27, 2024

Congratulations to justice Mandisa Maya on being selected by the President to become the next Chief Justice of South Africa. Best wishes⚖️💐🇿🇦

— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) February 28, 2024

You always have to wait your turn

Justice Mandisa Maya is set to become the first woman Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa.

President Ramaphosa has nominated Justice Maya to take over from Zondo, in August. pic.twitter.com/ofwyXMHSpa

— Vuka Africa (@Thisthat_Acadmy) February 28, 2024

Congratulations on your nomination Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya. A breath of fresh air and a glimmer of hope for the judiciary. Let the judiciary be just. Finally a well deserving candidate. Farewell to the current CJ. Enough said.

— Raveckim (@raveckim67019) February 28, 2024