Watch Judge Maya to be next Chief Justice video

President Cyril Ramaphosa has nominated Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya to become the next Chief Justice. Photo sourced via Twitter @WhyJudgesMatter

JSC recommends Judge Mandisa Maya for Deputy Chief Justice

Judge Mandisa Maya sat through hours of questions from members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on Monday

Watch Judge Maya to be next Chief Justice video

President Cyril Ramaphosa has nominated Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya to become the next Chief Justice. Photo sourced via Twitter @WhyJudgesMatter

Supreme Court of Appeal Judge President Mandisa Maya is one step closer to becoming the Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court as the Judicial Service Commissioner has endorsed her appointment.

Judge Maya sat through hours of questions from JSC members in Sandton, Johannesburg on Monday, 20 June 2022. She was asked a range of questions, including on the state of judiciary and lack of gender diversity on the bench.

“I’m the only woman head of court in this country at the moment and this body has an opportunity today to change this dismal picture at least insofar as this one vacancy is concerned,” Judge Maya said.

JUDGE MANDISA MAYA NOMINATED – WHAT IS NEXT?

Now that Judge Mandisa Maya has gotten the seal of approval from the Judicial Service Commission, the Commission will now consult with President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has the final say on the appointment.

The position for Deputy Chief Justice became vacant earlier this year when President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed then deputy chief justice, Raymond Zondo, as Chief Justice after Mogoeng Mogoeng retired in October. Judge Maya, who herself was interviewed for the post, was subsequently nominated to fill in the Deputy Chief Justice position.

The JSC confirmed last month that Judge Maya had accepted her nomination to the highest court in the land.

“Justice Maya has accepted this nomination. Furthermore, on 3 May 2022, she submitted the required JSC questionnaire and all the necessary and standard documentation required for persons who seek to be appointed as a judge,” the JSC said.

YOU CAN ALSO READ: JSC to interview Mandisa Maya for Deputy Chief Justice position