By REGINALD KANYANE
The African National Congress (ANC) said it welcomes the president of Republic of South Africa (RSA), Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to appoint the Deputy Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa effective 1 September 2024.
ANC acting national spokesperson, Zuko Godlimpi said Maya’s qualifications and judicial record, leadership qualities, experience as a judge in various courts, past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and current role as Deputy Chief Justice make her well-suited to lead the judiciary in South Africa.
“Through upholding the principles of judicial independence and integrity, the Deputy Chief Justice has played a crucial role in maintaining the credibility and trust in the judiciary.
“This has been vital for the rule of law and the
functioning of democracy in South Africa, ensuring that the judiciary remains a robust check on the other branches of government,” he said.
Godlimpi further said by the end of her tenure in the Supreme Court, Maya had delivered over 200 reported judgments. He added that Maya wrote the first recorded Supreme Court of Appeal judgement in isiXhosa on the dispute about the language policy of the University of South Africa.
“(AfriForum v Chairperson of the Council of the University of South Africa). The Chief Justice is the Head of the Judiciary in both administrative and ideational terms.
“This means that Maya is now charged with the task of overseeing the entire judicial apparatus and leading South Africa’s apex court, the Constitutional Court, in progressively evolving our country’s legal jurisprudence,” said Godlimpi.
He said Maya exemplifies the belief that access should hold both jurisprudential and practical significance, her principles are built on a dedication to serving the people. Godlimpi said Maya will be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice, affirming the ANC’s commitment to gender equality and advancing women’s leadership across all sectors and societal leadership structures.
“We wish her a great tenure and offer her our unyielding support and commitment,” said Godlimpi.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said the president has in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, appointed Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. He said Maya’s appointment follows Ramaphosa’s consultation, in accordance with constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.
The Guardian 