UNIZULU launch of International Association of Women Judges’ Mentorship Project

The Law Department at the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) magnificently hosted the launch of the South African Chapter of International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ: KZN) mentorship programme at the iconic King Bhekuzulu Hall on Saturday, 13^th May 2023.

The graduation of the mentees and the launch of the Mentorship Programme at UNIZULU, also hailed as the first ever graduation of the Mentorship Programme, was a watershed moment. A group of about twenty final year law students from both UNIZULU and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) graduated at this prestigious event.

The programme aims to educate, nurture and empower Law students – with the priority being women – in South Africa.

The KwaZulu-Natal mentorship programme was initiated by the provincial co-ordinators of the SAC-IAWJ: KZN, and regional magistrates Ms Pearl Andrews and Ms Nomfundo Sipunzi.

Members of the Judiciary including numerous Magistrates, prosecutors, academics from both UNIZULU and UKZN, as well as students graced the event. The keynote speaker, Pearl Andrews who is also the Provincial Co-Ordinator of The South African Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (SAC-IAWJ) KZN highlighted the importance of maintaining such an initiative in terms of building the legal profession for the future.

The key note speaker ARCP Pearl Andrews highlighted the fact that this year it’s a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Women Legal Practitioners Act which allowed women to be admitted as attorneys and Advocates. “ As we commemorate the significance of this Act, we reflect on the remarkable progress that the legal profession has made, and acknowledge the vital role that women have played in this journey.”

The deputy vice chancellor – Teaching and Learning Professor Vuyokazi Nomlomo also graced the event with her presence DVC, she saluted the Association of Women Judges for their part in adding to the culture of learning that goes beyond the university and forming collaborations that will continue in years to come.

Amongst the attendees was Prof Desan Iyer, the Head of the Department of Law, in the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law. Prof Iyer took the opportunity to thank the Judiciary for the great initiative of taking students under their wings to uplift and upskill the new generation of legal professionals. According to him, the programme is a great opportunity for students to tap into the knowledge base of individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their careers whilst also allowing the students to develop better skills in communication and critical thinking amongst others.

The Provincial Coordinator and her team were grateful to the DVC, Teaching and Learning for her presence at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law for her assistance with the funding of the event and Professor Iyer and his staff for his assistance in organising the event.  SAC-IAWJ: KZN indicated that they were looking forward to a lasting collaboration with UNIZULU in their endeavors to sustain the Mentorship Programme and provide a springboard for the new generation of legal professionals. 

The KZN programme benefits Law students from at UNIZULU third- and fourth-year level as well Law students from UKZN

• Prof Desan Iyer & Precious Shamase