Judge Khosi Hadebe – High Court KwaZulu-Natal Division – Courage

This week on Womanity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka speaks with Judge Khosi Hadebe from the KwaZulu-Natal High Court. Judge Hadebe’s legal career spans decades, tracing a path of perseverance and public service that began in 1979 as a court clerk and interpreter before progressing to prosecutor, legal planner, magistrate, and ultimately High Court judge.

The Spark That Lit the Journey

Her passion for the law was ignited in her youth while listening to radio court scene dramas on radio like Springbok Radio’s Consider Your Verdict. Despite financial constraints that delayed her initial studies, these broadcasts cemented her determination to pursue no other path than law.

Defying Hostility with Student Militancy

Entering the University of Zululand during apartheid, Judge Hadebe faced outright hostility from lecturers who questioned why women were studying law instead of nursing or social work. Driven by a militant youth spirit and a shared commitment with peers, including activists connected to Robben Island political prisoners, she refused to back down, viewing her degree as a vital weapon to fight systemic social injustices.

Protective Legislation and the Limits of Implementation

Reflecting on South Africa’s legislative framework, Judge Hadebe highlights that while strong laws exist to combat gender-based violence (GBV) and protect vulnerable individuals, true progress relies on the people executing them. She emphasises that while police awareness and specialised units have improved, law enforcement must act as a true extension of justice rather than allowing poor attitudes to hinder survivors.

The Lived Realities of GBV Victims

In discussing matters like the S v Ndlovo gang rape case, Judge Hadebe points out the severe socio-economic vulnerabilities of women and child-headed households living in informal settlements without security resources. She addresses the painful reality that post-judgment, victims are largely left to figure out trauma recovery on their own due to a lack of accessible counselling and support services in underserved communities.

Social Context and Integrity on the Bench

Having served as a regional court magistrate and worked with the Law, Race, and Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town, Judge Hadebe brings a vital social context to her rulings. She stresses that judges must maintain impeccable personal standards of uprightness and fairness to ensure the public can trust the judicial system implicitly.

Overcoming Bias and Proving Competence

Addressing the unique struggles faced by African women entering the High Court bench, Judge Hadebe reflects on overcoming deep-seated institutional skepticism. She notes that women must constantly prove their qualifications at higher thresholds, asserting that female judges must stand their ground firmly and demand to be judged solely on their competence.

Faith, Family, and Community Support

Attributing her resilience to the “school of poverty,” Judge Hadebe shares how her background fostered empathy rather than bitterness. Her strength and grounding stem from strong family support, inspired by a courageous late aunt, as well as her active involvement in her church community, where she directly assists impoverished families.

A Message to the Next Generation

In celebration of Women’s Month, Judge Hadebe encourages young women to step into male-dominated fields with unwavering confidence and challenge authority whenever necessary. She calls on senior women leaders to actively hold the hands of the younger generation, demonstrating that adversity should never stop them from achieving their potential.

Special thanks to Lusanda Ntuli the Deputy Director: Communications at the Office of the Chief Justice who makes our annual series showcasing female judges possible.