Remembering Judge Leonora van den Heever

SOUTH Africa's first female judge, Judge Leonora van den Heever, died at the age of 99 at her Cape Town home.

- ZELDA VENTER

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya said in a statement that it is with profound sadness that the judiciary announces the passing of the Honourable Justice Van den Heever, who died on 20 November at the age of 99. Her loss is felt not only by her family and friends, but by the entire legal community and indeed, the nation, Justice Maya said.

She added that Justice Van den Heever's distinguished career stands as a testament to courage and perseverance. "As South Africa's first female judge, who was first appointed in 1969, she shattered a formidable glass ceiling at a time when the bench was the exclusive preserve for male judges".