A top judge says he has great respect for all women after facing serious accusations. Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge spoke at a special hearing about claims he harassed a female worker. Court secretary Andiswa Mengo says the judge made unwanted moves on her during 2021 and 2022. The judge denies everything and wants to clear his name. This marks the first time a senior judge has faced such serious charges.
Mbenenge answered tough questions from his lawyer Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane during Monday's session. Critics have called the judge terrible names like barbaric and sexist because of the allegations. The judge says these labels hurt him deeply and are not true. He pointed out that women matter just as much as men do. His mother raised him and he learned to value all females from a young age.
The judge also talked about helping women advance their careers over the years. He has given female lawyers acting positions within his court division. Mbenenge encouraged his secretaries to study law and become lawyers themselves. One former secretary studied for her law degree and became a practicing advocate. The judge feels proud that he helped her achieve success in the legal field.
Mbenenge answered tough questions from his lawyer Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane during Monday's session. Critics have called the judge terrible names like barbaric and sexist because of the allegations. The judge says these labels hurt him deeply and are not true. He pointed out that women matter just as much as men do. His mother raised him and he learned to value all females from a young age.
The judge also talked about helping women advance their careers over the years. He has given female lawyers acting positions within his court division. Mbenenge encouraged his secretaries to study law and become lawyers themselves. One former secretary studied for her law degree and became a practicing advocate. The judge feels proud that he helped her achieve success in the legal field.
