President Ramaphosa Appoints Two Fresh Constitutional Court Judges
South Africa’s apex court is set to reach a full complement of permanent judges for the first time since 2016. President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Justice Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi and Justice Katharine Mary Savage to the Constitutional Court, with both appointments taking effect on May 1, 2026.
The Appointment Process
The appointments were made in accordance with section 174(4) of the Constitution. According to The Presidency, President Ramaphosa made these decisions after consulting with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly. These selections follow Judicial Service Commission (JSC) interviews that took place in October 2025.
Profiles of the New Justices
Justice Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi
Justice Dambuza-Mayosi brings over three decades of experience across academia, legal practice, and the judiciary. Since June 2015, she has served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), a role that included an extended period where she acted as the President of the SCA.
Justice Katharine Mary Savage
Justice Savage’s judicial career includes serving as a Judge of the Western Cape High Court, a position she entered in 2015. More recently, she has served as a Judge of the Labour Appeal Court since 2024.
Significance of the Appointments
The new appointments arrive at a historic juncture for the nation. President Ramaphosa noted that the judges join the court in the same year South Africa marks 30 years since the adoption of its democratic Constitution. He emphasized that this anniversary serves as inspiration for the court to continue sustaining national values and the supreme law of the land.
- Effective Date: May 1, 2026.
- New Appointees: Justice Nambitha Christabel Dambuza-Mayosi and Justice Katharine Mary Savage.
- Constitutional Basis: Appointed under section 174(4) of the Constitution.
- Milestone: The court will have a full complement of permanent judges for the first time since 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was consulted for these appointments?
President Ramaphosa consulted with Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.
What is the background of Justice Dambuza-Mayosi?
She has a career spanning more than 30 years in the judiciary, academia, and legal practice, and has served as a judge on the Supreme Court of Appeal since 2015.
When do the new judges officially start?
The appointments take effect from May 1, 2026.