Pressure is mounting on President Cyril Ramaphosa to appoint the next Chief Justice. Ramaphosa told journalists last month that he would announce the new Chief Justice soon.

Some political parties and observers say Ramaphosa’s failure to explain his delay is disappointing and does not bode well for the effective functioning of the judiciary without a permanent chief justice.

Judges Matter spokesperson Mbekezeli Benjamin says, “It’s now been a month since the JSC delivered its report to the President but still there has been no appointment of the Chief Justice. The most disappointing aspect is that the presidency has not explained the reasons for the delays and it’s now a month. This obviously impacts on the judiciary and how it functions because currently there is no permanent leader in place. Acting Chief Justice Zondo is currently busy with the State Capture Report.”

Meanwhile, there has been an overwhelming endorsement for Judge Mandisa Maya to be the next Chief Justice of South Africa. This is after the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) recommended to President Cyril Ramaphosa, that Judge Maya is the rightful candidate for the top job within the judiciary in the country.

Political parties say it is about time that a woman takes the reign and leads in society.

African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) says it is ready for a female Chief Justice, while National Freedom Party’s Canaan Mdletshe says this is long overdue.

Congress of the People’s Dennis Bloem has wished Judge Maya all the best, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) saying she has got what it takes to lead.

The African Christian Democratic Party’s Steve Swart says the country has spoken and that now the honours are with President Cyril Ramaphosa to do the right thing.

Justice Maya’s interview:

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Delay in announcing new Chief Justice is disappointing: Political parties, observers

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