Mandisa Maya makes history

By Johnathan Paoli

Deputy chief justice Mandisa Maya looks set to take up the position as the next Chief Justice – the highest court in the country – and when she does, she will become the first woman to hold the role of South Africa’s President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

Earlier president Cyril Ramaphosa said that Maya would contribute extensively to the ongoing transformation process of the judiciary.

“Her ascendancy to the apex court will serve as a beacon of hope for scores of young women and make them believe that South Africa is a country of possibilities regardless of gender, social or economic circumstances,” he said.

The position is occupied at present by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo who is expected to retire in August this year after his appointment to Constitutional Court in March 2022.

Interviewed about the position, Maya said she is concerned about the