05 Aug Honouring Our Trailblazers
Celebrating Women’s Month: Honouring Justice Mandisa Maya and Trailblazers in South African Law
In a landmark decision, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Justice Mandisa Maya as the Chief Justice of South Africa, effective September 1, 2024. This historic appointment, made under Section 174(3) of the Constitution, marks a significant milestone as Justice Maya becomes the first woman to hold this esteemed position.
Justice Maya’s appointment follows a thorough consultative process involving the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and political leaders in the National Assembly. President Ramaphosa, in a letter to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on February 22, 2024, expressed his intention to appoint Deputy Chief Justice Maya as the next Chief Justice upon Zondo’s term ending on August 31, 2024. The JSC, after interviewing Justice Maya on May 21, 2024, affirmed her suitability based on her impressive qualifications, judicial record, and leadership qualities.
Justice Mandisa Maya’s career is a testament to her brilliance and dedication. She practiced as an advocate before her elevation to the bench in 1999 and has served in various courts, including the High Court, Labour Court, Supreme Court of Namibia, and the Appeal Court of Lesotho. She became the Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2015 and its President in 2017, being the first woman to hold these positions. Her extensive experience and achievements have paved the way for her to lead the judiciary as Chief Justice.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms. Thembi Simelane, lauded this appointment, highlighting Justice Maya’s profound experience and legal brilliance. Justice Maya’s rise to Chief Justice reflects the significant progress in gender equality within South Africa’s judiciary, which has transformed considerably since the end of apartheid.
Justice Maya’s achievement is celebrated during Women’s Month, a time to reflect on the remarkable contributions of women in South African history. On August 9, 1956, 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest the oppressive pass laws. This event, led by Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, marked a turning point in the fight for gender equality. Today, Women’s Month honors their legacy and recognizes the ongoing efforts to empower women in all spheres of life.
Justice Maya’s appointment is a beacon of hope for many, showcasing the potential and strength of women in leadership roles. Her journey from a rural part of the Eastern Cape to the pinnacle of the judiciary is inspirational. As we celebrate Women’s Month, it is crucial to remember other notable women in South African law who have paved the way for future generations.
Amina Cachalia:
A political activist and member of the Transvaal Indian Congress, Cachalia played a crucial role in the Defiance Campaign and various women’s marches. She continued her activism despite being banned and under house arrest.
Ida Mntwana:
As the first president of the ANC Women’s League and leader of the anti-pass demonstrations, Mntwana was instrumental in organizing the Congress of the People, where the Freedom Charter was adopted.
Annie Silinga:
A human and women’s rights activist, Silinga was a key leader in the women’s anti-pass campaign and was involved in the Treason Trials. Her activism continued despite multiple arrests.
Ruth First:
An academic, political activist, and journalist, First exposed the harsh realities of apartheid through her investigative journalism. Her life was tragically cut short by a letter bomb in 1982.
These women, alongside Justice Mandisa Maya, embody the resilience and determination that have shaped South Africa’s legal landscape. As we honor their contributions, we acknowledge the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in achieving true gender equality. Women’s Month serves as a reminder of the past struggles and the present triumphs of women who have fought tirelessly for freedom and justice.