South Africa appoints first female chief justice

Maya, the current deputy CJ, will replace Raymond Zondo, whose term ends on August 31

JOHANNESBURG:

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday named Mandisa Maya as the first female chief justice, effective on Sept. 1, following consultations with the Judicial Service Commission.

This is a significant milestone for the country, the presidency said in a statement.

Maya, the current deputy chief justice, will replace Raymond Zondo, whose term ends on Aug. 31.

Previously, South Africa’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stated Thursday that the country will continue to act within global institutions to protect Palestinian rights and ensure the fair application of international law.

In his first public discussion on foreign policy since his appointment, Lamola emphasised South Africa's commitment to preserving the existence of the Palestinian people. "South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group," he said.

Lamola pledged that South Africa would work with global institutions to end all acts of apartheid and genocide against Palestinians. He stressed the country's support for Palestinian self-determination, informed by South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.