Faith Nyasuguta
South Africa has made history with the appointment of its first female Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya. President Cyril Ramaphosa, recently re-elected, made the groundbreaking decision to elevate Maya to this esteemed position, a role that has been exclusively held by men since its establishment in 1910.
Maya, who is currently serving as the Deputy Chief Justice, is set to officially assume her new role on September 1st, succeeding Raymond Zondo.
The decision to appoint Maya followed consultations with the Judicial Service Commission, which endorsed her nomination due to its historical significance. Maya’s appointment not only marks a significant step forward for gender equality in South Africa but also brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the judiciary.
Born on March 20, 1964, Mandisa Maya has an illustrious career in South Africa’s legal landscape. She has previously held several notable positions, including President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and Judge of the High Court.
In addition, she is the current Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga. Maya’s legal education includes studies in labor law, alternative dispute resolution, and constitutional law at Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, USA, where she was a Fulbright Scholar. Upon returning to South Africa, she served as an assistant state law adviser in Mthatha from 1991 to 1993 and also worked as a part-time lecturer in law at the University of Transkei.
Maya’s appointment as Chief Justice follows her groundbreaking roles as the first woman to serve as both Deputy President and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. Her career has been marked by a series of firsts, highlighting her trailblazing journey in South Africa’s judiciary.
This landmark appointment in South Africa follows a similar historic milestone in Kenya. In 2021, Kenyan ex-President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Martha Koome as the country’s first female Chief Justice and head of the judiciary. Koome’s appointment was officially announced in a special Gazette Notice following parliamentary approval.
Koome replaced David Maraga, who had led the Supreme Court in a landmark decision to annul Kenyatta’s 2017 reelection victory due to “illegalities and irregularities,” ordering a fresh election. This decision was unprecedented in Africa, showcasing the judiciary’s independence and integrity.
Koome emerged as the top candidate for the Chief Justice position in Kenya, surpassing nine other contenders, including some of the country’s most prominent lawyers and academics. Her appointment, like Maya’s, represents a significant step forward for gender equality in the judiciary and sets a powerful precedent for the region.
Mandisa Maya’s appointment as South Africa’s first female Chief Justice is a momentous achievement, reflecting the country’s progress in promoting gender equality and strengthening its judiciary. Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the role, furthering the cause of justice in South Africa.
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