South African judge Mandisa Maya has been appointed as the country’s chief justice by President Cyril Ramaphosa, making history as the first woman to hold this position.
Maya, aged 60, will succeed Raymond Zondo, whose term as a Constitutional Court judge ends in August.
The presidency highlighted the importance of this appointment, noting that “Justice Maya would be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice,” which marks a “significant milestone.”
Ramaphosa’s decision came after consulting the Judicial Service Commission and political parties, following Maya’s nomination in February.
Despite being recommended for the position by the Judicial Service Commission in 2022, Ramaphosa initially chose Zondo, 64, over Maya.
Currently serving as Zondo’s deputy, Maya is one of four women among the Constitutional Court’s 10 permanent judges.
She is a married mother of three and will now lead South Africa’s top court.
South Africa, known for having one of the most progressive constitutions globally, boasts significant female representation in public life.
Over 40 percent of lawmakers, including the National Assembly speaker and her deputy, are women.
