By Neelam Rahim

Judge Mandisa Maya became the country’s deputy chief justice after President Cyril Ramaphosa ratified her new position, which most analysts expected. Maya is currently the Supreme Court of Appeal president and will take up her post on the 1^st of September. She was the only candidate interviewed for the position, which became vacant when Justice Raymond Zondo was appointed Chief Justice.

In discussion with Radio Islam International is Vuyani Ndzishe, from the organisation Judges Matter.

An appointment welcomed by most Vuyani says, “Judge Maya is a great candidate and with a solid track leadership.”

According to Vuyani, this is a historical move and thinking of transforming the judiciary is a positive step.

He says Judge Maya will bring stability in the sense that she has a solid track record as a leader, as we had mentioned what she achieved in the Supreme Court of Appeal when she came in at the height of lack of coequality amongst colleagues at The Supreme Court of Appeal, she managed to crack that.

Apart from that, she is an outstanding candidate who produces high-quality judgement. Returning to her vision in February, she mentioned that part of her job is to Unite Judicial offices and bringing more women into the judiciary aligns with Chief Justice Zondo’s vision. The Court is in capable hands, he added.