From becoming the first Black national netball player from the Eastern Cape to represent South Africa internationally to earning the title of professor and now serving as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya has built a legacy defined by excellence, resilience and public service.
Appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa with effect from 1 August 2026, her remarkable journey from the rural village of Qaga near Qonce stands as a powerful testament to determination, perseverance and the limitless potential of South Africans who dare to dream. Raised in Qaga Village near Qonce in the Eastern Cape, Ntlama-Makhanya pursued her legal studies at the University of Fort Hare, laying the foundation for a distinguished academic career.
She later obtained a master’s degree from Stellenbosch University before earning a Doctor of Laws (LLD) through the University of South Africa (UNISA), cementing her place among South Africa’s leading legal scholars.
Her pursuit of excellence, however, extended far beyond academia. Before establishing herself in the legal profession, Ntlama-Makhanya made history as the first Black national netball player from the Eastern Cape to represent South Africa on the international stage. She proudly wore the national colours at several international competitions, including the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, demonstrating the same discipline and determination that would later define her legal career.
Returning to academia, Ntlama-Makhanya steadily rose through the ranks from junior lecturer to professor, becoming a respected authority in constitutional law, customary law and human rights. Throughout her academic career, she dedicated herself to developing future legal professionals while contributing to research that strengthened South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
One of the most inspiring chapters of her journey came when she completed her Doctor of Laws while recovering from brain surgery. Rather than allowing adversity to interrupt her ambitions, she persevered through one of life’s greatest challenges, demonstrating exceptional courage, resilience and commitment to her calling. Her expertise and integrity led to several appointments as an acting judge in various High Court divisions, where she earned recognition for her legal insight and commitment to justice. She also served as a member of the Electoral Court, contributing to South Africa’s democratic institutions through impartial and principled judicial service.
In recognition of her distinguished legal career and unwavering commitment to justice, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Professor Ntlama-Makhanya as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in Makhanda, with effect from 1 August 2026. Her appointment represents more than a personal milestone. It is a celebration of perseverance, academic excellence, sporting achievement and servant leadership.
From competing on the international netball court to shaping constitutional scholarship and now serving on one of the country’s highest judicial platforms, Ntlama-Makhanya continues to inspire generations of young South Africans to pursue excellence regardless of where they begin.
