The South African Board for Sheriffs (SABFS) in collaboration with the South African Sheriff Society (SASS) and the South African National Association of Progressive Sheriffs (SANAPS), hosted its Annual Women’s Day Celebration in Mbombela on 23 August 2024 under the theme ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion’. The event was hosted with the aim to highlight measures taken by the SABFS in transforming the sheriffs’ profession, which is critical for the effective function of the courts and access to justice in general. The event was also aimed at recognising efforts made by women to advance the sheriffs’ profession and raise awareness about the role of the sheriffs in the justice system.
Giving his remarks at the event the chairperson of the Board, legal practitioner Mandla Mathaphuna, said that the profession of sheriffs is a noble one. He added that it serves a crucial operational arm of the cause of justice. He pointed out that the court has no arms and legs of its own, that next to the police, sheriffs are key to the service and execution of court sanctioned documents, writs and processes.
Mr Mathaphuna admitted that historically, the sheriffs’ profession, perhaps not unlike many others in society, are still male dominated. He said that there are 213 sheriffs who are registered with the SABFS of which 80 are female (37.5%). There are 634 deputy sheriffs, of which 170 are female (36.6%). ‘I do not currently have the age or the racial breakdown of these numbers but as we enhance our data repository, it will be possible soon to be able to disaggregate that data,’ he said.
Mr Mathahuna added that: ‘The SABFS is truly proud to have this significant number of women in the profession. Internationally, Women’s Month is celebrated on 8 March. In the Republic of South Africa, we celebrate women in August. This Women’s Month, the Presidency has urged us all to celebrate the 30 years of our democracy with a special focus on the development of women. From those brave women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 to protest the unjust pass laws and we reflect on the great strides women have made in the history of our country.’
Mr Mathaphuna added the month of August invokes memories of the gallant fight for social justice and human rights. A fight that eventually saw more than 20 000 brave women from all walks of life, including civic society, domestic workers, housewives, professionals and persons from all races and religious backgrounds marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 to deliver an indubitable statement against the oppressive and discriminatory forces of Apartheid. ‘We pay tribute to them,’ he said. He added that by the old standards, there would be no women sheriffs today, had it not been for this hard-won battle against misogyny.
Mr Mathaphuna took the opportunity at the event to congratulate and to welcome the new Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Thembisile Simelane on what he described as a well-deserved appointment. He said that it showcases the talent, the dedication and leadership of women in society. ‘We are looking forward to a collaborative and productive relationship with the Minister and her Department to advance and enhance the work of the sheriffs’ profession and of the Board as we strive to serve the public and the greater justice system,’ Mr Mathaphuna added.
Mr Mathaphuna said that the theme of the event speaks directly to the challenges faced by women in this country. He added that these challenges are well-known and by his analysis, cyclical. He pointed out that constant violence against women, workplace harassment, even patronising behaviour complicated societal pressures on women. He added that it is an indictment on society that regularly there are gender-based violence (GBV) incidents. ‘Recently, women social workers and health practitioners have become targets of rape and violence when they are responding to community tasks. I dread to imagine if this happens to women sheriff’s as well. I am advised that since the inception of this annual event, as women sheriffs and officers of court, you have not only highlighted the scourge of gender-based violence in our society, but have pioneered the issue even in professional settings such as the sheriff’s practice,’ Mr Mathaphuna said.
Mr Mathaphuna added: ‘I want to thank you for your efforts aimed at combating and preventing gender- based violence and sending a strong message that every single person in our country has a role to play in ending GBV and in helping to build safer communities. As men, we need to look at how we raise our boys and what we teach them, so that we can break the cycle of patriarchy and toxic masculinity. We can and we must break the cycles of violence. We can and we must be the change we want to see in the world.’
Mr Mathaphuna also spoke about the plans of the new Board of Sheriffs. He said that their commitment as the SABFS, carved on the sculpture of our shareholder’s mandate, is to innovate, pivot and enhance the Office of Sheriffs, and to regulate the profession toward a sustainable future that meets the needs of both the public and the profession. He added that together with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the SABFS has undertaken to transform the sheriffs’ profession to ensure that it reflects the demographics of the country in respect of race and gender. He also pointed out that the SABFS is also reviewing and modernizing its policies in terms of how the sheriffs’ profession operates, including new developments, such as the use of technology.
Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.
