Meet South Africa’s first female Chief Justice: Mandisa Maya

In a historic move, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Mandisa Maya as South Africa’s Chief Justice, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position.

She will assume her new role on September 1st, succeeding Raymond Zondo, whose term ends on August 31st.
Mandisa Maya’s impressive career is marked by numerous firsts. She has served as Deputy Chief Justice, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and Judge President of the same court.

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Notably, she was also the first Black woman to be appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and subsequently, its Deputy President and President according to APnews.

Born on March 20, 1964, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, Maya’s journey to the top is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
She won a Fulbright Scholarship in 1989 to study labour law, alternative dispute resolution, and constitutional law at Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, USA.

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After her studies, she served as an assistant state law adviser in Mthatha from 1991 to 1993 and was also a part-time lecturer in law at the University of Transkei.

Maya’s nomination for Chief Justice was recommended by the Judicial Service Commission, which emphasised the historical significance of her appointment.

President Ramaphosa echoed this sentiment, stating that her leadership and judicial expertise are significant milestones for the country.