#AlumniOnTheMove | President Ramaphosa nominates UFH Alumna, Justice Mahube Betty Molemela for SCA Judge President

Justice Mahube Betty Molemela, one of our esteemed Law Alumni, has been nominated by President Cyril Ramaphosa to serve as the country’s next Judge President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) – the second highest court in South Africa.

Born and raised in Bloemfontein, among her impressive list of qualifications, Justice Molemela holds a BA and a B.Proc Degree from the University of Fort Hare. She started her judicial career in 1987 as Prosecutor and was admitted as an Attorney in 1993, and as Conveyancer and Notary in 1996.

She made history when she was appointed as the first female Judge President of the Free State Division of the High Court of South Africa.

The position of the SCA President has been vacant following the appointment of Justice Mandisa Maya, a UFH Honorary Doctorate Alumni, to the position of the Deputy Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court with effect from 01 September 2022.

Justice Molemela is currently a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal and her nomination by the President was announced today, 2 February 2023, in media statement issued by the South African Government.

According to the statement, President Ramaphosa has informed Chief Justice Raymond Zondo of his consideration to appoint Justice Molemela as Judge President of the SCA.

“The President has, through the Chief Justice, invited the Judicial Service Commission, to advise on the suitability of Justice Molemela to hold the office of the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. The President has undertaken this consultation in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution.” – stated the media advisory.

Congratulations Justice Molemela, thank you for flying the Fort Hare flag high.

Photo: Judges Matter