South African judge Mandisa Maya was appointed Chief Justice by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, becoming the first woman to secure the role.
Maya, 60, will take over the helm of the country’s top court from Raymond Zondo, whose term as a Constitutional Court judge expires at the end of August. Her appointment marks a “significant milestone” as “Justice Maya will be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice,” the presidency said in a statement.
President Ramaphosa confirmed the appointment after consultations with the Judicial Service Commission and political parties, following Maya’s nomination in February.
Maya had previously missed out on the top job in 2022 when the Judicial Service Commission recommended her for the role, but Ramaphosa chose Zondo, 64, instead. Currently serving as Zondo’s deputy, the married mother of three is one of four women among the top court’s 10 permanent judges.
With one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, South Africa boasts high female participation in public life. More than 40 percent of lawmakers, including the National Assembly speaker and her deputy, are women.
Maya’s appointment reflects South Africa’s commitment to gender equality and progressive leadership in its judicial system. Her historic rise as the first female Chief Justice paves the way for greater representation and inclusivity in the country’s highest court.
