Staff Reporter.
Chief Justice designate Mandisa Maya is well-prepared and capable of leading South Africa’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, according to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane.
Speaking to SAnews on Friday, Simelane expressed confidence in Justice Maya’s ability to head the apex court, emphasizing her qualifications and experience.
Maya, currently serving as the Deputy Chief Justice, was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July after consultations with the Judicial Service Commission and political party leaders in the National Assembly, as required by the Constitution.
“In Women’s month, one is jubilant. We are not only jubilant because she’s a woman, but we are jubilant that all the discriminatory laws, the hinderances which make women who are capable…to be able to reach their heights are being overcome.
“We are aware that even today there are still some difficulties that women leaders meet and face even though they are capable. We do believe that in her agenda, she will continue as she has been doing to fight against gender-based violence – a scourge and a pandemic that has been declared by the President,” the Minister said.
Simelane said, she is looking forward to seeing even more female representation on the bench.
“We will further promote women. Currently we are sitting at about 52% of female judges and I do believe that a combination of a female Minister and a female Chief Justice should be able to see us reach 60 to 70% because capable women are there in our justice system. Ours is just to ensure that they can be able to grow.
“[Maya] is equal to the task, and I do believe that we are flying higher to ensuring that there will be access to justice for all South Africans,” Simelane concluded.