As the country celebrates Women’s Month, Cabinet has congratulated Justice Mandisa Maya on her trail blazing appointment as South Africa’s first female incoming Chief Justice.
Maya, the first South African woman to lead the Constitutional Court, was appointed as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Maya previously served with distinction as the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal since 2017 and was the first woman to hold that position.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of the ordinary Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said the significance of Maya’s appointment can be best understood with context.
“According to the International Association of Women Judges, in 1994, there were approximately 165 judges, 160 of whom were white men, three were black men, and two were white women; no black women were judges at that time.
“As of February 2023, there are 253 judges, comprised of which 113 are women, broken down to 32% black women plus 13% white women making up a total of 45% women representation. Additionally, the remaining 140 male judges are comprised of 39% black men and 17% white men,” Ntshavheni said.
READ | CGE congratulates Justice Maya on appointment as Chief Justice
Call to participate in Women’s Month activities
Meanwhile, Cabinet has invited citizens to take part in events planned to take place in various parts of the country in celebration of the annual Women’s Month.
READ | Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women's Month gets underway
Ntshavheni said the events also include a trade expo, interactive dialogues and showcase opportunities available for women in diverse sectors that are instrumental in narrowing gender disparities.
South Africa will commemorate the 2024 National Women’s Day tomorrow at the Dennis Nel Stadium in Poffader in the Northern Cape under the theme: “Celebrating 30 years of democracy towards Women’s Development”.
“This year’s celebration of Women’s Month will take stock of progress made on socio-economic empowerment of women since the advent of democracy and the achievements of the objectives of the Women’s Charter.
“Our nation pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women,” Ntshavheni said.
READ | President Ramaphosa to address Women’s Day commemoration
– SAnews.gov.za
