Mandisa Maya’s appointment as Chief Justice is a victory for all, especially for black women in law

Several sentiments have been shared over the past weeks on Justice Mandisa Maya’s appointment as South Africa’s first woman Chief Justice. There have been some suggestions that we should not be too feminist or political about her appointment, and that she was selected on merit and her credentials. 

While this is true, we should not downplay the significance of her being the first woman to be appointed to the highest seat in our judiciary. Doing so would be a disservice to her and our historical battle against patriarchy and racism, especially within the legal profession.

I probably speak on behalf of most, but as a young and junior woman in the profession, I draw inspiration from Justice Maya. Her appointment gives us so much hope. We cannot overemphasise how historic this moment is for all of us. 

It’s undeniable that Justice Maya was appointed because she was the best candidate for the position. She is an exceptional judge with impeccable credentials and brings a wealth of experience to the Constitutional Court. She will make significant contributions to the judiciary, and we should be excited to see how she will enhance and shape our legal landscape over the next decade. 

Justice Maya has achieved several firsts. In 2015, she became the first woman Deputy President and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, the first female deputy Chief Justice in 2022, and now the first woman Chief Justice. It would be dishonest to downplay the significance of her gender and race in her journey. Her appointment marks not only a historic moment for our judicial system, but is a significant milestone for black women in law. 

Justice Maya occupies the bench as a dynamic and multi-dimensional being. She is an exceptional judge and a phenomenal black woman, and we can celebrate both these truths in tandem. 

Racial and gendered intersection