Justice Mandisa Maya’s illustrious career, in particular her stint as the President of the Supreme Court (SCA) appeal places her as the person most capable of taking the country’s judiciary to the next level.
Justice Maya will come in as the first female chief justice next month at a time when serious questions are being asked about the independence of the judiciary.
Access to justice for the majority of this country is an issue that she is well aware of and will attempt to correct.
But we must first acknowledge that this is a historic appointment that the country should be inspired and proud of, especially so for young law students and graduates who never dreamed of appearing in the Constitutional Court let alone occupying its top post.
We dare say that incoming chief justice Maya has been among some of the senior judges who have demonstrated her unflinching desire to transform the bench in the true sense of the word.
That energy is exactly what the judiciary requires now more than ever.
The journey ahead is a long and at times tedious one. The support of her colleagues within and outside of the Constitutional Court will go a long way in dismantling some of the barriers that may hinder her vision for the country’s apex court.
We are also not blind to the political pressures directly or otherwise that may attempt to rear their head. After all, she is one of 11 justices entrusted with executing their responsibility without fear nor favour.
It is therefore comforting to see various progressive legal organisations being the first to pledge their unwavering support to the incoming chief justice.
Mvuso Notyesi, the president of National Association of Democratic Lawyers aptly observes: (Justice Maya’s appointment) heralds a transformative period for South African society. Her leadership promises to inspire positive changes and foster a judicial system that is more inclusive and reflective of our diverse nation.
We remain steadfast in our support. We believe that her visionary approach, commitment to justice and her strong leadership will greatly benefit our constitutional democracy and society as a whole.”
Cape Times