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On 12 October 2024, BRICS WBA South Africa inaugurated the Women in Law Network at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Umhlanga. Hosted by Advocate Kerusha Pillay, the network’s Inaugural Head, the event embraced cultural diversity with Christian, Muslim, and Hindu prayers. Advocate Pillay emphasized the network’s mission to create opportunities for female legal professionals across BRICS+ nations, building a network of women-led legal service providers supporting female business owners. Ms. Lebogang Zulu, Executive Chairperson of BRICS WBA South Africa, underscored BRICS WBA+’s core pillars of trade, investment, capacity building, and technology transfer, noting the critical role of legal expertise in BRICS’ economic development goals. In 2023, BRICS WBA facilitated $2.4 billion in partnerships, with an aim to exceed that figure in the coming year.Deputy Minister Narend Singh delivered the keynote address, recognizing the importance of lawyers in addressing environmental crimes and enforcing legislation.
The event also marked a historic moment as eThekwini’s Mayor Cyril Xaba, joined Advocate Pillay for a celebratory toast to the Women in Law Network’s global launch toast to the Women in Law Network’s global launch. A panel discussion led by Advocate Hawa Dhoda highlighted the journeys of distinguished women in law, including Judge President Poyo Dlwati and Sasol’s VP of Legal, Castalia Moloi. A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Judge Kate Pillay for her dedication to mentoring female legal professionals and advancing children’s rights through her work with the Hague Convention on Child Abduction. Judge Pillay’s contributions to human rights include her involvement in national and international conferences, addressing social justice issues like sexual offenses and human trafficking.
Esteemed attendees included prominent members of the legal and business community, such as Gauteng LPC Chairperson Puleng Keetse, Magistrate Pree Pillay, and Albaraka Bank founder Adv. AB Mohamed. Affiniti Magazine, a thought leadership magazine on diversity, equity and inclusion in the corporate sector was a proud partner of the event, together with Advocates Group Two, led by Adv. Hawa Dhoda.
