Judge Zolashe Lallie – Labour Court (South Africa)

This week on Womanity-Women in Unity, in our series on women in the judiciary, Dr. Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Judge Zolashe Lallie of the Labour Court, a specialist court in the South African judiciary. This series is dedicated to celebrating Women’s Month. Judge Lallie explains key functions and jurisdictions of the Labour Court which focus on discrimination and unfair dismissal of employees. We consider the role of legislation, like the Employment Equity Act which espouses equal pay for work of equal value, in relation to closing gender pay gaps; additionally Judge Lallie suggests removing gender distinctions where possible and potentially applying a principle from the civil service to the private sector where salaries are based on the job not the applicant. In order to ready women for positions they should be afforded appropriate education and skills to perform at the highest level. Importantly, women need equal access to opportunities. We remark on the influence that women occupying positions of power have on inspiring other women of their own potential and possibilities to ascend in every sphere. Judge Lallie reminds us to continue earning our stripes to be financially independent and always act with integrity. Tune in for more….