The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has recommended Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) President Judge Mandisa Maya for the position of Deputy Chief Justice.

Maya, the sole candidate for the role, was interviewed by the JSC on Monday.

Maya's path should be a mere formality as President Cyril Ramaphosa, who nominated her for the post, will now consider the JSC's recommendation.

Following the interview, JSC commissioner Doris Tshepe announced that Maya was suitable for the position and that it would recommend her to Ramaphosa.

It is the second most senior judicial position in the country.

During Monday's interview, Maya faced questions about a range of issues, including the recent Ismail Abramjee text saga, and her relationship with Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe.

Responding to a question from the Democratic Alliance's Glynnis Breytenbach, Maya said she was not friends with Hlophe, but considered him a "big brother" who had stood by her during difficult times. She suggested that it was for this reason that she recused herself from processes concerning Hlophe.

Earlier this year, Maya was interviewed for the post of Chief Justice, along with judges Raymond Zondo, Mbuyiseli Madlanga and Dunstan Mlambo. At the time, Maya was put forward as the frontrunner for the position by the JSC. However, Ramaphosa instead appointed Raymond Zondo as the new Chief Justice.

The president later nominated Maya for the Deputy Chief Justice position.

During the interview on Monday, Maya was pressed about her running of the SCA and her opinions on gender empowerment in the legal fraternity.

Maya has served as a judge for 22 years. She would be the first woman appointed to the role of Deputy Chief Justice.

Maya, 58, was one of the first women judges appointed to the Eastern Cape High Court. She was also the first black woman to be appointed to the SCA and the first woman deputy president of the court. She is also the first woman president of the SCA.