President Cyril Ramaphosa, joined by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi and Deputy Minister Andries Nel, hosted a landmark engagement with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and Heads of Court at Mahlamba Ndlopfu in Pretoria.
The high-level meeting reinforced the shared commitment of the Executive and the Judiciary to a more effective and independent justice system, rooted in the values of South Africa’s Constitution.
Executive and Judiciary Unite to Advance Justice System Reform in South Africa
Also in attendance were senior Cabinet members including Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi. Chief Justice Maya was supported by senior members of the Judiciary, including Justice Mahube Molemela, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, and Judge Presidents Cagney Musi, Dunstan Mlambo, and Pule Tlaletsi.
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Building on earlier engagements between Minister Kubayi and Chief Justice Maya, the meeting addressed long-standing issues affecting the Judiciary, including the need for improved court infrastructure, adequate human resources, robust security, and enhanced judicial independence. These priorities are being pursued through a coordinated interdepartmental approach led by Minister Kubayi.
Ramaphosa-Maya Engagement Signals New Era for South Africa’s Legal System
President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the importance of a cooperative relationship among the three branches of state, saying, “Within the principle of the separation of powers, each arm of the State has a responsibility to support the others in fulfilling their constitutional mandates.”
Discussions also focused on institutional independence, the unification of the judiciary, and enhancing the capacity of key courts. Chief Justice Maya noted the significance of the engagement, coming just days before the global commemoration of the Constitutional Court’s 30th anniversary.
The meeting marks a renewed determination to build a resilient, inclusive, and independent justice system for all South Africans.
