Appointment of eight women judges welcomed

23 Dec 2015

PRETORIA: Minister in the Presidency for Women Susan Shabangu has welcomed the appointment of Justice Nonkosi Zoliswa Mhlantla as a judge of the Constitutional Court as well as the appointment of eight women as judges out of 12 appointments.

Appointment of eight women judges welcomed

"The appointment of eight women as judges out of 12 appointments (66.6%), gives us hope for a South Africa that truly belongs to all," said Minister Shabangu.

Last Week, President Jacob Zuma announced the appointments of judges to the Eastern Cape High Court, Northern Cape High Court, North and South Gauteng High Courts and the Labour Court.

Minister Shabangu said many significant changes have occurred in the judiciary, since 1994.

"Some of these have translated into increased opportunities for women in the judiciary and consequently, a reduction of the opportunity gap between men and women.

"In 1994, when the democratic dispensation kicked in, there were only two white women in the judiciary, which was below zero percent. Today there are two women Judge Presidents and two women Deputy Judge Presidents, and women constitute more than 30% of the judiciary," Minister Shabangu noted.

Justice Nonkosi Zoliswa Mhlantla was appointed as a Judge of the Constitutional Court with effect from 1 December 2015.

Minister Shabangu commended President Zuma, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) for the recommendations and appointment of the eight women.

Source: SAnews.gov.za

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