Justice Mandisa Maya is the new chancellor of UMP
Maya was nominated and her appointment approved at a special meeting held by the university's special council on June 29, and succeeded the previous chancellor, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The University of Mpumalanga has a new chancellor: The president of the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa (SCA), Justice Mandisa Maya.
Justice Maya is the first woman in South Africa to hold the position as the president of SCA since her appointment in 2017.
In a statement by UMP, the university’s spokesperson, Tlangelani Ubisi, said that during the selection and appointment process of the new chancellor, the institution took into consideration the attributes of the nominees.
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Ubisi said some of these included a person who would act as a role model and reflect the university’s values to its students and staff, and who is a focal point to ensure the high standing of the university in the wider community.
He said Maya was the right candidate for the job.
“Maya is a member of the South African Judicial Service Commission, which manages the appointment of judges and all matters relating to the judiciary and the administration of justice,” said Ubisi.
“She is also member and adjudicator of the National Bar Examination Board and as well as the chairperson of its Appeal Tribunal.
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“Her contribution to the country’s democratic institutions and jurisprudence dates back to 1994 when she served as a case investigator for the Independent Electoral Commission during the first democratic South African elections. Subsequently, she practiced as an advocate until she was appointed as a judge in 1999.”
Ubisi said Maya is the current president of the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges and has been awarded three doctor of law (Honoris Causa) degrees by Nelson Mandela University, Walter Sisulu University and University of Fort Hare for her contribution to the development of South Africa’s jurisprudence as well as the empowerment of women in the legal profession and in the judiciary.
UMP’s chairperson of council, Prof David Mabunda, said in the statement that the chancellor symbolises and embodies the mission of the UMP to provide high-quality education to a diverse student body.
“The expertise and experience of Justice Mandisa Maya will undoubtedly be of utmost importance and add value to the University. We are grateful that Justice Maya has accepted to serve as the chancellor of the university,” he said.
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