Staying Healthy: How to avoid food poisoning while traveling
February 28, 2024
Pageant hopeful shares her cancer journey
February 28, 2024
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nomination of Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s new chief justice has been hailed as historic by judicial experts. Maya would become the first woman to permanently hold the highest judicial position in South Africa.
Mbekezeli Benjamin, a researcher at the civil society group Judges Matter, called Maya’s nomination “a significant moment for the country.” He highlighted her extensive judicial experience, having first been appointed to the Eastern Cape High Court in 2000.
As deputy chief justice since 2017, Maya offers important continuity for the judiciary during this transition, Benjamin noted. “She will also be one of five women to hold a leadership position in the judiciary, so that is also significant,” he said.
Maya is set to succeed Chief Justice Raymond Zondo when his term concludes at the end of August. The presidency has invited input from political party leaders in the National Assembly on the nomination.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomed Maya’s selection after criticizing the previous appointment of Zondo. “The EFF says it firmly believes that Maya should have been appointed immediately upon the conclusion of former chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng’s term,” the party stated.
If appointed, Maya will make history as South Africa’s first female chief justice. Her deep experience in South Africa’s judiciary makes her well prepared to take on the role. Maya’s nomination represents an important step toward gender equity in a vital branch of government. The coming weeks will determine if she secures the support to officially assume the chief justice position.
