{"id":21418,"date":"2025-08-08T12:58:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T10:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=21418"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:04:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:04:41","slug":"top-10-women-in-the-south-african-justice-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/top-10-women-in-the-south-african-justice-system\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Women in the South African Justice System"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>South Africa\u2019s legal landscape has been transformed by the remarkable leadership of women who have shattered barriers and led the charge for gender equality in the justice system. These women have not only excelled in their legal careers but also played pivotal roles in shaping the future of South Africa\u2019s judiciary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we celebrate Women\u2019s Month, it is essential to highlight their groundbreaking achievements, which continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of legal professionals. Here&#8217;s a look at the top 10 women in the South African justice system who have made lasting contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-justice-mandisa-maya\">1. <strong>Justice Mandisa Maya <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"361\" height=\"415\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648539.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21420\" style=\"width:163px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648539.png 361w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648539-261x300.png 261w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 361px) 100vw, 361px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Mandisa Maya is a monumental figure in the South African justice system. Appointed as the first woman Deputy Chief Justice in 2022, Maya\u2019s rise to prominence has marked a series of firsts. She was also the first black woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) and became its first black woman president. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In her role as Chief Justice, she is a historic figure, reflecting the judiciary\u2019s ongoing transformation. Maya\u2019s career reflects unwavering dedication to justice and gender equality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First woman Deputy Chief Justice (2022)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>First black woman President of the Supreme Court of Appeal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Africa\u2019s first woman Chief Justice (2023)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3944043871\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-justice-mahube-molemela\">2. <strong>Justice Mahube Molemela <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"371\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648612.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21421\" style=\"width:235px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648612.png 371w, https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648612-300x222.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 371px) 100vw, 371px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Justice Mahube Molemela\u2019s leadership has also had a profound impact on the judiciary. She succeeded Justice Maya as the president of the SCA, becoming one of the key figures responsible for the court&#8217;s decision-making and future direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to this, Molemela served as the Judge President of the Free State High Court. Her appointment to the SCA further solidified her position as one of the most respected legal minds in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Former Judge President of the Free State High Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Succeeded Justice Maya as President of the SCA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-judge-president-monica-leeuw\">3. <strong>Judge President Monica Leeuw <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"183\" height=\"275\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648698.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21422\" style=\"width:114px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Judge Monica Leeuw made history as the first woman to serve as Judge President of a South African High Court. She took on this leadership role at the North West High Court in 2010. Her retirement in 2022 left behind a legacy of diligent leadership and advocacy for legal reform in South Africa\u2019s judiciary, particularly in the underrepresented areas of gender and race.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First woman Judge President of a South African High Court (North West High Court)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2594388547\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-judge-thoba-poyo-dlwati\">4. <strong>Judge Thoba Poyo-Dlwati <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648803.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21423\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As the Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Judge Thoba Poyo-Dlwati has been instrumental in overseeing key legal matters in one of the country\u2019s busiest regions. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to both fairness and efficiency, ensuring justice is served swiftly and impartially. Poyo-Dlwati\u2019s influence has made a profound impact in the legal community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Current Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocate for a more inclusive judiciary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-judge-segopotje-mphahlele\">5. <strong>Judge Segopotje Mphahlele <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"275\" height=\"183\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754648973.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21424\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Appointed as Judge President of the Mpumalanga High Court in 2023, Judge Segopotje Mphahlele is one of the newest leaders in South Africa\u2019s judiciary. Her elevation to this role is a testament to her remarkable legal expertise and her commitment to public service. Mphahlele\u2019s leadership promises to bring fresh perspectives to the High Court\u2019s operations and influence legal proceedings in Mpumalanga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Appointed Judge President of the Mpumalanga High Court (2023)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1491594392\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-judge-patricia-goliath\">6. <strong>Judge Patricia Goliath <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"275\" height=\"183\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754649049.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21425\" style=\"width:215px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As the Deputy Judge President of the Western Cape High Court, Judge Patricia Goliath plays a crucial role in overseeing complex legal matters in one of the country\u2019s most high-profile courts. Goliath\u2019s tenure has been characterised by her fair and decisive approach, as well as her advocacy for transparency in the judiciary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deputy Judge President of the Western Cape High Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocate for improved access to justice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-judge-martha-mbhele\">7. <strong>Judge Martha Mbhele<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"194\" height=\"259\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754649193.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21426\" style=\"width:136px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Judge Martha Mbhele, who serves as the Deputy Judge President of the Free State High Court, has built a career based on both legal expertise and a passion for advancing justice. Mbhele\u2019s leadership role is critical in shaping the direction of legal practice in the Free State, particularly in the context of social justice and equitable legal access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deputy Judge President of the Free State High Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promotes social justice in legal proceedings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2537618337\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-judge-matsaro-semenya\">8. <strong>Judge Matsaro Semenya <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754649279.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21427\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Serving as the Deputy Judge President of the Limpopo High Court, Judge Matsaro Semenya has been a strong advocate for the integrity of the judiciary. She has led various initiatives to ensure fairness and equality within the legal system, earning her recognition as one of South Africa&#8217;s most respected legal professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deputy Judge President of the Limpopo High Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocate for judicial integrity and impartiality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-judge-violet-phatshoane\">9. <strong>Judge Violet Phatshoane <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"252\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754649391.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21428\" style=\"width:162px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Judge Violet Phatshoane\u2019s role as the Deputy Judge President of the Northern Cape High Court has been marked by a deep commitment to the principles of justice. She has worked tirelessly to strengthen the judiciary in her region, ensuring fair trials and advancing legal reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Deputy Judge President of the Northern Cape High Court<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Advocate for legal reforms in the Northern Cape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-458062211\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-judge-lebogang-modiba\">10. <strong>Judge Lebogang Modiba<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/gauteng-image-1754649552.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-21430\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Judge Lebogang Modiba stands out as the first woman president of the Special Tribunal in South Africa, a court that focuses on recovering public funds lost to corruption and fraud. Her leadership in this specialized court has played a significant role in enhancing the country\u2019s efforts to tackle corruption and recover stolen public funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Key Achievements:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>First woman President of the Special Tribunal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Focused on recovering public funds lost to corruption<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-legacy-of-women-in-south-africa-s-judiciary\">The Legacy of Women in South Africa\u2019s Judiciary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These women have not only broken barriers within their respective roles but have also paved the way for future generations of women to thrive in the South African legal system. Their leadership is a key part of the judiciary\u2019s transformation, and their ongoing contributions to gender parity and legal equality continue to inspire legal professionals across the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, approximately 45% of judges in South Africa&#8217;s superior courts are women, while more than 50% of magistrates in lower courts are women, according to data from 2023-2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Check also: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/10-south-african-women-in-stem-who-are-breaking-barriers\/\">10 South African Women in STEM Who Are Breaking Barriers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we celebrate Women\u2019s Month, we recognise the invaluable contributions of these women who continue to lead South Africa\u2019s judiciary toward greater gender equality and legal excellence. Their achievements not only break barriers but also serve as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations of women in law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These trailblazers are shaping the future of the South African justice system, ensuring it remains progressive, inclusive, and fair. Looking ahead, how do you think gender representation in the judiciary will evolve in the coming years?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Celebrate Women\u2019s Month by recognizing the top women in South Africa\u2019s justice system who are paving the way for gender equality and legal excellence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":21435,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Celebrate Women\u2019s Month by recognizing the top women in South Africa\u2019s justice system who are paving the way for gender equality and legal excellence.","footnotes":""},"categories":[38,36],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-21418","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-career-guides","8":"category-jobs"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21418","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21418"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21418\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21437,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21418\/revisions\/21437"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21435"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21418"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21418"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21418"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}