Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo hosted one of the most important events before his retirement, the launch of the Aspirant Women Judges’ Programme for 2024. The event, which was held in Johannesburg on 5 August 2024 was attended by some members of the judiciary, including the former Minister of Justice and retired ambassador to Sweden, Brigitte Mabandla, whom the programme is named after. Speaking at the event, Ms Mabandla, who founded the programme during her time as the Minister of Justice from 2004 to 2008, said that she was honoured that the Aspirant Women Judges’ Programme was named after her.

Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo hosted the launch of the Aspirant Women Judges’ Programme in Johannesburg before his retirement.

As South Africa (SA) is celebrating 30 years of democracy and Ms Mabandla commended the judiciary for strengthening democracy by discharging its mandate effectively. ‘Your decisions helped define the normative rubric of the country,’ she said. She pointed out that a good example of this was the recent elections whereby all parties who participated in the election followed the law. She added that SA is truly a constitutional state. Ms Mabandla said that she had been reading up on the programmes of reform within the legal system and had come to realise how far SA has come with reforms that help establish an enduring governing system.

Ms Mabandla extended compliments to the South African Judicial Education Institute (SAJEI) for the good work that SAJEI and its council and staff are doing to realise the mandate of the institute as a centre of gender transformation. She congratulated the candidates and encouraged them to give it their best. She added there would be challenges that they will encounter as women, such as, domestic responsibility. ‘I would advise that you remain focused. Work hard and smart as I am sure you are doing to get to this point. I am saying soldier on. Maintain a positive mindset at all times. You may encounter challenges, but please do not give up,’ Ms Mabandla added.

Former Minister of Justice and retired ambassador of South Africa to Sweden, Brigitte Mabandla, who the Aspirant Women Judges’ Programme is named after, spoke at the launch of the Brigitte Mabandla Aspirant Women Judges’ Programme.

Ms Mabandla told the candidates that they should aim at providing justice to those who deserve it. She pointed out that millions of South Africans are poor and have no access to justice. She said that many South Africans lack access to useful pertinent information for their daily living. ‘It is our responsibility to ensure that all enjoy the rights embodied in our Constitution,’ Ms Mabandla said.

Former Chief Justice Zondo told the candidates that when they become judicial officers in the future, they should not fear nor favour anybody. He added that they must not have prejudice against anybody when they make decisions. He pointed out that they will make enemies along the way, because of some of the decisions they will make, but that is fine, as long as they do what is needed. Former Chief Justice also spoke about the importance of gender transformation. He recalled how there were only two women in the leadership of the judiciary when he was appointed as the Chief Justice. He added that he expressed his concern at the time that this needed to change because it was a completely unacceptable situation. He pointed out that he was very happy to leave the judiciary at the time when the representation of women among the heads of the superior courts has increased, with five women now leading these courts.

Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.