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 safety and well-being of the judiciary in the country and said that South African courts are not safe.
“The safety of our court buildings and personnel must be prioritised. There are many stories of judicial officers who have been attacked in the courts of law where one is supposed to be the safest,” she said.
She said in the current atmosphere in the country towards the judiciary, there is a crucial need to restore confidence in judges who are impartial, accountable and responsive.
“If I am appointed for this position, I know that I will bear the enormous responsibility of ensuring that the institution remains strong,” Maya said.
In response to a question by Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola concerning budget cut to the judiciary, Maya said the Chief Justice had not been informed of the fiscal cuts which are affecting the courts.
She said if there had been effective consultation, the judiciary could have been excluded from the cuts that have negatively affected court operations.
Maya further called for an “intensification” of the relationship between the three arms of state, to improve judicial functioning.
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