Mandisa Maya
Awards & Honours
0
Awards Won
1
Honours
3
Records
Mandisa Maya's achievements are historic. She broke barriers as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court of Appeal, the first female Deputy Chief Justice, and the first female Chief Justice of South Africa. Her elevation to the top of the judiciary in 2024 was a landmark moment for the country, and she has used her position to advocate for judicial independence and the rule of law. Her 2018 honorary doctorate from Nelson Mandela University reflects her standing as a legal pioneer.
Honours & Distinctions
Honorary Doctorate
Awarded in recognition of her contributions to law and the judiciary.
Records & Feats
First female Chief Justice of South Africa
Appointed effective 1 September 2024, the first woman to hold the country's highest judicial office.
First Black woman on the Supreme Court of Appeal
Elevated in 2006, breaking a racial and gender barrier in the judiciary.
First female Deputy Chief Justice
Appointed in September 2022, the first woman to serve in that role.