Maya’s CJ appointment confirmed
Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya is set to take over as Chief Justice from 1 September. It has been reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday said the appointment follows his consultation, in line with constitutional prescripts, with the JSC and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.
‘In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on 22 February, President Ramaphosa informed the JSC of his intention to appoint … Maya as the Chief Justice of the Republic upon the expiry of the term of office of Chief Justice Zondo on 31 August,’ the Presidency stated.
News24 reports that Ramaphosa had nominated Maya to take over from Zondo, who is retiring in August after serving a mandatory 12-year term. As part of the process, he invited the JSC to give its views on Maya's suitability to be Chief Justice.
‘Justice Maya's qualifications and judicial record, her leadership qualities, her experience as a judge in various courts, her past leadership of the SCA, and her role as Deputy Chief Justice in the period leading to her nomination by the President. The commissioners also advised that Maya's appointment would be a significant milestone for the country as she would be the first woman in SA to be appointed Chief Justice,’ the Presidency said.
The EFF had previously questioned the manner in which Zondo was parachuted into office: ‘First, the manner of his appointment left much to be desired. The JSC sat and interviewed four candidates, and after intense deliberations, recommended that Justice Mandisa Maya be appointed Chief Justice. Mr Ramaphosa, without reason, decided to ignore that recommendation and appointed Comrade Zondo as Chief Justice,’ the party said during the justice budget vote.
The Star reports that the EFF said the only inference that can be drawn was that the appointment of Zondo was payback for his susceptibility to dabble in politics and hold politically factional views on a range of issues.
The Council for the Advancement of the SA Constitution (Casac) last year accused Zondo of undermining his office, following remarks he made in an interview on Newzroom Afrika.
It said Zondo strayed too far into the political terrain by opining on the ongoing corruption prosecution of Zuma.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
