Judge Maya: What we know about the Chief Justice nominee

President Cyril Ramaphosa has nominated Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya as the next chief justice of the Republic of South Africa.

If confirmed, Maya will make history as the country’s first woman to hold this esteemed position, replacing incumbent Justice Raymond Zondo, who’s term at the Constitutional Court ends on 31 August 2024.

In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of consulting with leaders of political parties represented in Parliament and the Judicial Service Commission regarding Maya’s nomination.

RAMAPHOSA INVITES PARTIES TO ASSESS CHIEF JUSTICE NOMINEE

“President Ramaphosa has invited the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly to make submissions on the suitability or otherwise of Deputy Chief Justice Maya to hold the office of chief justice,” said Magwenya.

Justice Maya, currently serving as deputy chief justice, boasts an impressive legal career.

SIX THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT JUSTICE MANDISA MAYA

1. Early life and education: Born in 1964 in Tsolo, Eastern Cape, Mandisa Maya embarked on her journey into law with a Bachelor of Procurations from the University of Transkei. She followed this with an LLB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She furthered her studies with an LLM in labour law from Duke University in the United States.
2. Diverse legal background: Before ascending to the judiciary, Maya’s career encompassed diverse roles, including court interpretation and prosecution. Her experiences ranged from local courts to international platforms, notably with the Women’s Legal Defence Fund in Washington DC.
3. Constitutional Court Acting Judge: In 2012, Justice Maya served as an acting judge of the Constitutional Court, contributing her expertise to one of South Africa’s most vital legal institutions.
4. Pioneering appointments: Maya’s ascent through the judiciary has been marked by historic milestones. In 2000, she became a High Court judge in Mthatha. Later, in 2005, she became the first black woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
5. Supreme Court of Appeal: Breaking barriers once again, Justice Maya made history as the first woman to hold the prestigious position of Deputy President. She also later became the president of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
6. Family life: Outside her illustrious legal career, Justice Maya is married to Dabulamanzi Mlokoti. She is also a mother of three children.