In a landmark achievement for women in South Africa, Justice Mandisa Maya has been appointed the first female Chief Justice of South Africa by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Justice Mandisa Maya, 60, is currently the Deputy Chief Justice and will take over as Chief Justice on September 1, 2024.

Presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, announced the appointment of Maya and disclosed that President Ramaphosa took the decision after consulting with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and political leaders in the National Assembly, as mandated by the constitution.

“Maya’s suitability for the role was affirmed by the JSC after her interview on May 21,” Magwenya said.

“The commission subsequently assured the president of Justice Maya’s suitability to lead the judiciary in the country based on the interview, Justice Maya’s qualifications and judicial record, her leadership qualities, her experience as a judge in various courts, her past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and her role as deputy chief justice.”

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Magwenya aslo said that her appointment is a significant achievement for South Africa as she is set to lead the pace for women in the legal expertise.

“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,” Magwenya noted.

“Justice Mandisa Maya’s appointment is expected to bring a new era of leadership to South Africa’s judiciary.”