Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday announced that Justice Mandisa Maya has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of South Africa, with effect from 1 September 2024.
President Ramaphosa appointed the current Deputy Chief Justice Maya in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
She will replace Chief Justice Raymond Zondo when he retires at the end of August.
The appointment follows the President’s consultation, per Constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.
In February 2024, President Ramaphosa informed the Judicial Service Commission of his intention to appoint Justice Maya as the Chief Justice.
The President invited the Judicial Service Commission to provide its views on the suitability of Justice Maya to hold the office of Chief Justice.
The Commission interviewed Justice Maya on 21 May 2024 to ascertain her suitability to be appointed Chief Justice.
The Commission subsequently assured the President of Justice Maya’s suitability to lead the judiciary in the country based on her interview, qualifications, judicial record, leadership qualities, experience as a judge in various courts, leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and her role as deputy chief justice.
The Commissioners also advised that Justice Maya’s appointment would be a significant milestone for the country as she would be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice.
Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President said: “President Ramaphosa appreciates the confidence expressed by the Judicial Service Commission and leaders of political parties in the suitability of the incoming Chief Justice, who can draw inspiration and support from the confidence expressed in her”.
