The South African chapter of the International Association of Women Judges has welcomed the appointments of Justices Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi and Katharine Mary Savage to the Constitutional Court bench.
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PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa appoints Justices Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi and Katharine Mary Savage to the Constitutional Court, marking a significant milestone for women's representation in South Africa's judiciary.
The South African chapter of the International Association of Women Judges has welcomed the appointments, IOL reported.
“This appointment marks a moment of profound significance - not only as a personal achievement of exceptional merit, integrity, and judicial excellence, but as a collective milestone in the ongoing advancement of women within the highest echelons of leadership in the legal profession.”
“We celebrate this elevation as a powerful affirmation of the principle that the judiciary is strengthened when it reflects the diversity, experience, and perspectives of the society it serves,” the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges said in a media statement.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Justices Dambuza-Mayosi and Savage to the Constitutional Court, effective May 1, 2026.
The Presidency made the announcement last week.
This comes after the interviews that were previously conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for two vacancies at the Constitutional Court.
The organisation said the presence of women at the apex court contributes meaningfully to the development of jurisprudence that is inclusive, responsive, and transformative.
“This achievement stands as both recognition and reminder: recognition of the calibre and capability of women within our ranks, and reminder of our continued responsibility to cultivate pathways for women’s advancement, mentorship, and leadership across all levels of the profession.”
The organisation, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting the elevation of women to positions of influence and authority, and advocating for equitable representation within the judiciary; and - fostering a professional environment in which women’s leadership is not only exceptional, but expected and sustained.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations and pride to our colleagues on their appointments. May their tenure inspire continued progress and serve as a beacon for future generations of women in law,” it added.
Ramaphosa appointed Dambuza-Mayosi and Savage in terms of Section 174(4) of the Constitution.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Mangwenya said, as directed by the Constitution, Ramaphosa made the appointments after consultation with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.
“Justice Dambuza-Mayosi currently serves as a judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal – a position she has held since June 2015 and which included an extended period of acting as president of the Supreme Court of Appeal.”
He said Dambuza-Mayosi’s career spans more than three decades in legal practice, academia and the judiciary.
Savage became a judge of the Western Cape High Court in 2015 and has served as a judge of the Labour Appeal Court since 2024.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa wished the new judges of South Africa’s apex court well in their new roles.
“Judge Dambuza-Mayosi and Judge Savage have for decades served the cause and practice of justice with great diligence, foresight and, most importantly, clear commitment to our Constitution.
“They join the Constitutional Court in the year in which we mark 30 years since the adoption of our democratic Constitution.
“This anniversary is a significant moment for our nation and serves as an inspiration for our Constitutional Court to sustain the entrenchment of our national values and the supreme law that underpins them,” Ramaphosa added.
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