The nomination of Justice Mandisa Maya as the Deputy Chief Justice has been hailed by the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities as a significant advancement in the struggle for gender equality in South Africa.
According to committee head Nonhlanhla Ncube-Ndaba, “Judge Maya is a capable judge who without a doubt will advance the interests of justice and of women in the judiciary.”
With effect from 1 September 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa named Justice Maya, the current president of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), as the Deputy Chief Justice.
The committee complimented President Ramaphosa for recognising Maya’s talent not only as a judge but also as a court administrator and congratulated her on her appointment.
Justice Maya is the first female judge to be appointed as the nation’s deputy chief justice.
According to Ncube-Ndaba, Maya will bring fresh value to the judiciary’s development and serve as a source of inspiration for South African women.
The position left open at the SCA by Justice Maya will hopefully be filled by a woman, according to Ncube-Ndaba.
When Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng retired, Maya was one of four candidates that underwent an interview process for the office of Chief Justice.