Justice Minister Kubayi Pushes for Urgent Transformation in South Africa’s Legal Sector

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi calls for accelerated transformation in South Africa’s legal sector, highlighting persistent inequality and resistance.

Viable News Team April 20, 2026 2 minutes read

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has renewed calls for meaningful transformation within South Africa’s legal profession, warning that resistance from established players continues to slow progress.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement with legal practitioners, Kubayi stressed that transforming the legal sector is essential to sustaining the country’s democracy. The session, held as part of ongoing government efforts to strengthen collaboration, revealed persistent challenges particularly barriers affecting black and female lawyers.

Kubayi highlighted issues such as discriminatory briefing patterns, racist treatment, and sexual harassment, noting that these realities continue to limit opportunities for many in the profession. She pointed out that black women remain the most disadvantaged group, calling for stronger partnerships across the sector to confront and dismantle systemic resistance.

“Transformation is facing resistance by those who have benefited from the status quo,” Kubayi said, referencing ongoing legal challenges to the sector’s transformation framework. She made it clear that these issues cannot be ignored if the profession is to become more inclusive and representative.

To accelerate progress, the Minister has instructed all State Attorney Offices to hold quarterly stakeholder engagements aimed at deepening transformation and improving accountability within the sector.

Kubayi also framed transformation as a key driver of economic freedom, arguing that true democracy requires both political and economic inclusion. “Political freedom without economic freedom is meaningless,” she said, emphasising the importance of equitable access to legal briefs and career opportunities.

Reflecting on 30 years since the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution, she underscored its mandate to address past injustices and build a non-racial society. Kubayi clarified that transformation is not about replacing one group with another, but about creating a fair and inclusive system that benefits all.

Her remarks add to ongoing national conversations about equity, access, and the pace of reform within South Africa’s legal and professional sectors.