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15 August 2007

The Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Justice Pius Langa, will mark the launch of a Special Programme to accelerate the appointment of women to judicial positions by hosting a dinner for the participants. Nineteen women were selected to participate in a specially designed programme to expose them to various fields of judicial work. The participants, selected from the magistracy and legal private practice, underwent a three months theoretical training and will undergo a further six months practical judicial training at the various High Courts.

It is accepted that there is a need to facilitate the appointment of women as judges. Of the 201 active judges only 16% (33) are women and only one of them is a Deputy Judge President. The purpose of the project is to provide accelerated development to selected participants for the purpose of fast-tracking them for possible appointment as judges to address the under-representation of women in the judiciary. It is further intended to establish a wider skills pool from which women judges of all races can be drawn.

The Programme is a project run by the Judiciary. The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development, Brigitte Mabandla, will be the special guest at the launch. Deputy President, Phumzile Mlambo–Ngcuka will deliver the keynote speech.

Details of the event:

Date: 16 August 2007
Venue: Michaelangelo Hotel, Nelson Mandela Square, West Street, Sundown
Time: 18h30 for 19h00

For more information contact:
Vuyelwa Masangwana
Director: Office of the Chief Justice
Tel: 011 359 7537

Issued by: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
15 August 2007