Political parties congratulate Mandisa Maya on her historic appointment
Political parties are rallying behind Mandisa Maya following her historic appointment as chief justice of South Africa.
![Political parties congratulate Mandisa Maya on her historic appointment](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mandisa-Maya-chief-justice.png?#)
Political parties have congratulated Mandisa Maya on her historic appointment as the country’s first female chief justice.
Maya, who currently serves as deputy chief justice, will assume her role on 1 September as chief justice Raymond Zondo’s term ends in August.
APPOINTMENT OF MANDISA MAYA AS CHIEF JUSTICE WELCOMED
On Thursday, the Presidency said President Cyril Ramaphosa had appointed Maya as the chief justice of South Africa in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic.
“The appointment follows the president’s consultation, in accordance with Constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission [JSC] and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly,” the statement read.
Maya was the sole candidate interviewed for the position in May 2024 by the JSC, setting her on the path to making history as South Africa’s first woman chief justice.
Political parties have also welcomed Mandisa Maya’s appointment.
Following the announcement, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said Maya’s appointment is a landmark decision as she will become the first woman to lead the Constitutional Court.
The Red Berets said that in her current role, Maya has paved the way for many. She holds the distinction of delivering the first judgement in Xhosa, reflecting on her cultural inclusivity.
“Her journey to becoming the first African woman to lead the Constitutional Court is a testament to her dedication to the rule of law,” the party said.
Equally, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said Maya’s leadership marks a significant milestone for justice and equality in our nation.
“Here’s to a future of fairness and progress under your guidance’” the party said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also wished Maya well.
![Mandisa Maya chief justice](https://www.thesouthafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mandisa-Maya.png)
SIX THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW CHIEF JUSTICE
- Early life and education: Born in 1964 in Tsolo, Eastern Cape, Mandisa Maya embarked on her journey into law with a B Proc 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Family life: Outside her illustrious legal career, Justice Maya is married to Dabulamanzi Mlokoti. She is also a mother to three children.
DO YOU THINK MANDISA MAYA IS THE RIGHT CHOICE TO REPLACE RAYMOND ZONDO?
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