Bernadette Wicks21 May 2024 | 12:25

Justice Maya to young SAns from disadvantaged backgrounds: ‘It doesn’t define you’

Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, who hails from the small town of Tsolo in the Eastern Cape, encouraged the youth to dream big, adding that their hard work would likely to pay off.

Justice Maya to young SAns from disadvantaged backgrounds: ‘It doesn’t define you’

Judge Mandisa Maya during her interview with the Judicial Service Commission on 2 February 2022 for the position of Chief Justice. Picture: @OCJ_RSA/X

JOHANNESBURG - Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya on Tuesday encouraged young South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds not to let their circumstances define them.

Maya was interviewed before the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) for appointment as Chief Justice.

This, with the incumbent, Raymond Zondo, set to retire in August.

Maya, who hails from the small town of Tsolo, in the Eastern Cape, had this to say when asked to share a message of hope for young people. 
 
"All you need do is to just reach out for the sky and chances are that you will land somewhere in between the ground and up there. Opportunities are there for anyone - it doesn't matter, your background doesn't define you. If you reach for opportunities and work hard, then chances are you'll make it."