Pretoria - Communications Minister Faith Muthambi is expected to attend the annual conference of the South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ), which will take place in Cape Town, on Friday.
The SAC-IAWJ will be hosting its 12th annual three-day conference in partnership with the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Democratic Governance and Rights Unit (DGRU).
Minister Muthambi is an admitted attorney of the High Court of South Africa, a member of the Black Lawyers Association and of the South African Women Lawyers Association.
She obtained a BProc degree from the University of Venda in 1996 and completed her Attorney's Admission Exam in 2000.
Following in the footsteps of the UN Women in their efforts in ensuring the realisation of planet 50-50 by 2030, the theme for this year’s conference is: “The role of the judiciary in realising socio-economic transformation as a tool towards achieving sustainable development goals”.
Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Cape Town, Prof Andrews, will deliver the welcome address at the Gala Dinner on Friday night. Acting Deputy Chief Justice Bess Nkabinde will speak before Minister of Women in the Presidency, Susan Shabangu, delivers the keynote address.
SAC-IAWJ President Judge Shane Kgoele will speak at the official opening of the conference on Saturday, where Judge President of the Cape Provincial Division of the High Court of South Africa, Judge John Hlophe, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
Women judges from across the country and from neighbouring countries are expected to attend the conference.
The SAC-IAWJ
The South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges was formed on 8 August 2004. The Chapter is a non-profit and non-governmental organisation. Its principle aim and focus is the creation of an inclusive judiciary and the empowerment of female judicial officers, who are magistrates and judges.
The membership of the Chapter comprises both Judges and Magistrates and seeks to bring together judicial officers in South Africa who embrace the objectives of the Chapter and the International Association of Women Judges.
The South African Chapter welcomes all judicial officers, regardless of gender, race, or rank in the judicial hierarchy.
Women Empowerment in SA
This year's Women's Day marks 60 years since the iconic 1956 women's march against the discriminatory pass laws, which had restricted the movement of black people in the country.
On Tuesday, President Jacob Zuma said the achievements of the women of 1956 have also translated to the opening up of the leadership space for women.
He indicated that there is a marked increase in the representation of women in parliament, government, the judiciary and other key positions in the public sector.
“Some women are also now heading giant corporations in the private sector, although much more still needs to be done in many companies.
“More and more South African women are choosing a career in the tough underground environment of mining including owning a mine, to list but a few achievements,” the President said. - SAnews.gov.za
