By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Justice Mandisa Maya accepts nomination for the position of Deputy Chief Justice.
The Judicial Service Commission says she has submitted the required questionnaires and all the necessary documentation required for persons who seek to be appointed as a judge.
President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated that he is considering appointing her as Deputy Chief Justice.
Ramaphosa has appointed Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo as the country’s new chief justice, tearing up a recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) that he name Judge Maya as the next head of the judiciary.
Last month Ramaphosa openly said the JSC had exceeded its mandate by firmly recommending a single candidate rather than simply reporting to him on the relative strengths of each of the four who were shortlisted for the post.
He stressed then that the decision remained his prerogative, but bringing Maya onto the apex court as deputy chief justice will appease the commission.
In government circles, the JSC’s handling of the matter was seen as a political ambush of the president, who had taken the unusual step of inviting public nominations and shortlisting several candidates in an attempt to bring more transparency to the process.
Zondo will serve in the post for some two-and-half years, because he is due to retire in August 2024.
Maya is currently serving as President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Law bodies and members of the public have until 26 May, to make written submissions on her suitability.