In line with the objective to transform the Judiciary and, in particular, ensure the representation of women in the Judiciary, whilst also enhancing service delivery, the honourable Chief Justice RMM Zondo hosted a media briefing to officially launch the Aspirant Women Judges Programme on 25 January 2023.
The Programme is implemented by the South African Judicial Education Institution (SAJEI). SAJEI was established in order to promote the independence, impartiality, dignity, accessibility and effectiveness of the courts through continuing judicial education as provided for in the South African Judicial Education Institute Act 14 of 2008.
The purpose of the Aspirant Women Judges Programme is to provide entry level education and training to aspiring female judicial officers to enhance suitability for appointment to judicial office.
The 12-month Programme will include a theoretical component, namely, lectures and presentations to be presented by current and retired Judges on various topics; as well as a practical component, which involves the placement of the Aspirant Women Judges at various High Court Divisions for mentorship.
The Lead Coordinator for the Programme is retired Judge Phineas Mojapelo.
The 2023 cohort for the Programme has 18 candidates, comprising of Magistrates and Legal Practitioners. They have been placed in the Programme following a selection process that included submission of applications, judgment writing assignments and interviews. The selection panel consisted of Judges President and Deputy Judges President.
