Chief Justice Mandisa Maya was announced as the winner of the African Female Leader of the Year Award by African Leadership Magazine in December.
Image: African Leadership Magazine
CHIEF Justice Mandisa Maya has officially distanced herself from the African Female Leader of the Year Award and all related promotional activities organised by the African Leadership Magazine, following media speculation regarding her involvement.
In a strong media statement released on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) swiftly clarified the situation. The magazine’s 15th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year (POTY) 2026 ceremony is currently taking place in Accra, Ghana.
The OCJ statement confirmed that although Chief Justice Maya was nominated by the publication, she chose not to accept the honour.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, while the Chief Justice was nominated for an award by the publication, she carefully considered the nomination and formally declined both the award and the invitation to attend the event. This decision was communicated directly to the organisers,” the OCJ said.
Despite this clarification, reports and social media posts continued to associate the Chief Justice with the event, prompting her to publicly sever ties.
“The Chief Justice unequivocally distances herself from the award, the magazine, the event, and all related promotional activities. She has no association with, and is not participating in, the event in any capacity,” the statement read, aiming to put an end to the speculation.
Here are the all the nominees for the African Female Leader of the Year Award
Image: African Leadership Magazine
Previously, the magazine had celebrated the Chief Justice’s achievements, congratulating her in December for being named the winner of the award.
In a social media post, the publication praised her impact, stating: “Her leadership continues to elevate justice, empower women across the continent, and champion a more inclusive and equitable Africa.”
Another post highlighted her professional milestone, noting that her rise as South Africa’s first female Chief Justice “is a powerful milestone for African justice and leadership.”
However, the OCJ concluded by cautioning the public and media to be wary of misleading information. “Any public statements, media reports, or promotional materials suggesting otherwise are incorrect and unauthorised,” they stated.
When asked whether there were specific concerns regarding the magazine, the event, or its sponsors that influenced her decision to decline, the OCJ declined to elaborate.
“Please be advised that the media statement released yesterday (Thursday) constitutes our full position on this matter. No further comments will be provided,” the Office of the Chief Justice stated.
Winners of the African Leadership Magazine's Persons of the Year Awards.
Image: African Leadership Magazine
Among others nominated for the same African Female Leader of the Year Award are Vice President of Angola Esperanca da Costa, Commonwealth of Nations Secretary-General Shirley Ayorko Botchway, and CEO of Integrated Diagnostics Holdings in Egypt Hend El Sherbini.
The POTY awards ceremony is currently taking place in Accra, Ghana. The African Leadership Magazine was approached for comment but did not respond by the time of publication.