The South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ), Gauteng region, held its Student Mentorship Programme Graduation Ceremony on 29 November 2025 at the University of Johannesburg’s Bunting Road Campus. At the ceremony, mentees enjoyed the presence and support of their mentors and families, including a special attendance by the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Charles Maimela, and the Judge President of the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Sheila Segopotje Mphahlele, and Constitutional Court Judge Zukisa Tshiqi.
Candidate of the mentorship programme, Bonke Msibi, a law student at the University of Witwatersrand shared her journey in the programme. She said that the SAC-IAWJ mentorship programme was a short journey for her but left a huge mark on her life. She pointed out how she struggled with her academics in 2023 and 2024 that left her losing confidence and doubting herself. However, she added that giving up was not an option, and she became more intentional about her life and studies, and she made a decision to apply for the SAC-IAWJ mentorship programme.
Mentee of the South African Chapter of International Association of Women Judges Graduate Programme, Bonke Msibi, spoke at the graduation ceremony held on 29 November 2025 at the University of Johannesburg’s Bunting Road Campus.
Ms Msibi said she was assigned to one of the best mentors, who taught her to lead with humility, passion, and ubuntu. She pointed out that this is one of the skills she has seen being embodied by the SAC-IAWJ mentors. ‘I do not think any of us would be here if it were not for leaders like them, who are selfless, and who wanted to see a better future for our world. Leaders who find us worthy of their time, despite their busy schedule. They still took it upon themselves to impart knowledge and show us what our tomorrow could possibly look like. That is what I call true leadership. Empowering those who come after you,’ Ms Msibi added.
Judge President Mphahlele addressed mentees at the graduation ceremony. She started by thanking the organisers and mentors of the programme for creating the space of growth, discipline, and empowerment for the mentees. She further thanked the mentees for being present as they prepare to step into their careers. Judge President Mphahlele told the students that, as they start their careers, this mentorship programme has equipped them with more than legal knowledge. It trained them to think critically, it taught them to reason ethically, and to act with empathy.
Judge President of the Mpumalanga of the Division of the High Courts Sheila Segopotje Mphahlele spoke at the graduation ceremony.
Judge President Mphahlele added that these are qualities that will greatly benefit the legal fraternity. She added that it is important that the mentees continue to learn, especially while they are still young, curious and adaptable. ‘If you want to have a career in law, be it an attorney, advocate, or legal adviser, you must also keep up with the developments. The law is constantly evolving with new divisions, new interpretations, and new policies almost every day,’ Judge President Mphahlele said. She said they must stay up-to-date or risk being left behind.
Judge President Mphahlele told the mentees that as future legal practitioners, integrity and honesty will be the backbone of their professional identity. She pointed out that society looks up to legal practitioners as the custodians of the truth. She added that it is the duty of the legal fraternity to revive and uphold that trust. ‘Your reputation will always follow you. As you enter the working world, you may not begin your careers in your dream roles. Whatever role you find yourself in, perform it with excellence. Let the values instilled in you shine through your work. Be lawyers who restore faith in justice and lead with wisdom, humility, and compassion,’ Judge President Mphahlele added.
Members of the judiciary and magistrates who were mentors on the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges, joined by the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Johannesburg, Professor Charles Maimela, with the Judge President of Mpumalanga Division of the High Courts, Sheila Segopotje Mphahlele, and Constitutional Court Judge Zukisa Tshiqi at the graduation ceremony held on 29 November 2025.
Kgomotso Ramotsho Cert Journ (Boston) Cert Photography (Vega) is the news reporter at De Rebus.
