On 23 August 2025, the South African Women Lawyers Association (SAWLA) held its first presidential awards and fundraising dinner in Johannesburg. The prestigious dinner which brought together judges, legal practitioners, academics and the business community, was also attended by stalwart and founder of SAWLA, former Justice Minister and Ambassador of South Africa to Sweden, Brigitte Mabandla. President of SAWLA, Nomaswazi Shabangu-Mndawe, told attendees that the dinner was held in recognition and appreciation for the contribution of women in the legal profession. Ms Shabangu-Mndawe added that the event was also an opportunity to celebrate, share experiences, and strengthen solidarity with SAWLA stakeholders in the legal profession. ‘We will present awards to women who have excelled in various areas of the legal profession. Acknowledging their role in advancing access to justice, transformation and ethical leadership in South Africa.’
President of the South African Women Lawyers Association, Nomaswazi Shabangu-Mndawe addressing delegates at the organisation’s Presidential Fundraising and Awards Dinner in Johannesburg.
Ms Shabangu-Mndawe added: ‘This event is about celebrating women in law. Their resilience, their leadership and their profound interest in our democracy and the justice system.’ She pointed out that SAWLA remains committed to ensuring that the voices of women in the legal fraternity are recognised, valued and elevated. She added that the key focus of the fundraising dinner was to mobilize resources for the establishment of law clinics in all nine provinces of South Africa, prioritising some of the most remote places. She said SAWLA acknowledge that in far rural areas, women and children often have little or no access to justice. ‘For many, access to justice is treated as normal, simply because they lack knowledge of their rights or they do not know where to turn to for help.’
Ms Shabangu-Mndawe said: ‘We are pleased to announce the opening of the first law clinic in Prieska in the Northen Cape, on 11 October 2025, as a piloting project to extend services to the most vulnerable women and children.’ Ms Shabangu-Mndawe pointed out that the proceeds of the fundraising dinner will be used to finance the operations of the law clinics. She appealed to those in attendance to sponsor the law clinics, which will be aimed at giving free legal advice, either by providing office furniture, equipment, or financial contributions. She said that the organisation is committed to establishing these law clinics to ensure that no community member is left behind in the pursuit of justice, dignity and equality.
Retired Constitutional Court Judge, Bess Nkabinde gave a keynote address at the South African Women Lawyers Association, Presidential Fundraising and Awards Dinner in Johannesburg.
Retired Judge, Bess Nkabinde, delivered the keynote address, she said that it is 30 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter for Effective Equality. She added that the women’s common purpose was and remains self-emancipation. She gave recognition to Ms Mabandla and pointed out that if it was not for her, SAWLA would not exist. ‘And some of us, me included, probably would not be a judge. I would probably not have had an opportunity to head the Rules Board for Courts of Law for 11 years,’ Ms Nkabinde said. She added that Ms Mabandla is the kind of woman who saw great potential in many female legal practitioners. ‘It is appropriate that at this moment in time I, on behalf of all of you and others, that we say to her, Mama we thank you, we will not forget what you did for us and what you continue doing for us,’ Justice Nkabinde added.
Justice Nkabinde noted that Ms Mabandla was not only a leader in her department as a minister, but also a forward-looking leader, as shown by her founding of SAWLA. She added that she was the first female member to serve in the ANC’s Constitutional Committee while in exile. She added that Ms Mabandla was an equalist, feminist thinker before even feminism became mainstream. She supported constitutional options guaranteeing democracy, multiparty participation, and a Bill of Rights to promote and protect vulnerable persons. ‘Mme Mabandla unwaveringly, plainly told sceptics “get used to it”. This was our plan and values informed.’ She thanked Ms Mabandla for her service.
Justice Nkabinde said in the present day when women seek parity, they must never be ashamed for claiming what is due to them. Justice Nkabinde added that she was not aware of men ever having to march anywhere in history, let alone marching to the Union Buildings, in pursuit of freedom. She said despite toxic negativity, women should not be oblivious of their mission of making a difference to the lives of others, as some women before them did it for them.
Justice Nkabinde added that there are many questions that arise that need to be answered. ‘What does that women’s march in 1956 say about us women of the 21st century. What does it mean being a female in our current post-apartheid South Africa? How far have we gone in the challenging journey of our transformative agenda or what have we done in what is believed to be a man’s world. Have we or are we doing enough to make a difference? Do we believe we have what it takes or do we think we were born with the spirit of mediocracy, of being average or second-ranked?’ Ms Nkabinde asked.
Justice Nkabinde pointed that the 21st century woman can proudly answer these questions positively. She added that there is so much to be proud of and so much worth celebrating. She spoke about the history of women in the legal profession, noting that before 1994 there was only one woman judge, who was not black. And added that after South Africa’s transition to democracy, there were only three women judges. However, as of today out of a total of 250 judges in South Africa there are 122 women judges. She pointed out that in active service there are four trailblazers leading the profession in the judiciary, namely, Judge President Thoba Poyo-Dlwati of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Courts, Judge President Zeenat Carelse of the Land Court, Judge President Sheila Mphahlele in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Courts, Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana in the Western Cape Division of the High Courts. She added that there are five female deputy judge presidents in various divisions. Also mentioning other women leaders, namely, President of the Supreme Court of Appeal Mahube Molemela, and the current sitting first female Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Mandisa Maya.
Justice Nkabinde pointed out that the emancipation and exceptional transformation achieved was driven by the women who came before them. She added that these phenomenal women leaders epitomize excellence, resilience, hard work, and determination. She added that this does not mean that all playing fields are level. She noted that while challenges remain, she pointed out that energy should not be wasted on negativity; what matter is that women lead. ‘I cannot wait, if I am still alive, for a women president of the republic,’ Justice Nkabinde said.
Justice Nkabinde spoke about the void that was left by the passing of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro. She said her passing not only affects her family, but society at large. She added that it was understandable why Chief Justice Maya described Justice Mokgoro not only as a trailblazing nurse, teach, lawyer, judge, but also a mother, wife, sister, mentor, colleague, friend and champion of the rights of women and children. ‘She was indeed a strong woman, intelligent, proud, yet very humble,’ Justice Nkabinde added.
Justice Nkabinde said Justice Mokgoro had warmth and her position as a judge did not change her. ‘We women do not allow position to change us, because of our mother, Mama Bridget, and many of our sisters. We remember where we come from,’ Justice Nkabinde said. She added that when women achieve, it is a shared achievement. She pointed out that the judgments that were penned by Justice Mokgoro are an example of her enduring legacy. She said that the achievements of Justice Mokgoro are enjoyed by those in the legal profession and society at large.
Justice Nkabinde said it is important for those who have been privileged to touch the young ones and share their experiences with them. She added that young practitioners should reach out to the seniors to talk about the challenges they may have, because if they do not, they will lose out on the opportunity to learn. Justice Nkabinde said the main purpose of legal practitioners and jurists is to help and serve others. She pointed out that money, power, and prestigious positions may arise along the career path. She pointed out that money is not everything; what truly matters is character. Justice Nkabinde said that the character of women leaders, such as the Mabandlas and many others, will remain a reminder of great legacies.
Justice Nkabinde concluded by saying that human rights are under more threat today, despite the promises of the Constitution. She added that this is because of corruption. ‘Money that should be making a difference to our lives. To the lives of children, mothers, especially in far-flung areas. The money is being used for useless things. And we, me and you, should not find ourselves stepping into those experiences of taking from the public purse,’ Justice Nkabinde said. She added that the nation and institutions have a chance to do good for others and not entertain negativity but focus on positive things and positive people who can build the tomorrow that we all need.
Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.
