Azania Presents: The Ladies Room

 Azania Legal Advisory & Consultancy (also known as Azania) prides itself in its

involvement in thought provoking discussions with different professionals on various platforms. Azania has previously involved itself in being a part of webinars that are all about having unique discussions by partnering up with the organisation, Professional Sharing Insights, discussing the legal aspects of a variety of societal issues.

Women should be celebrated not just as mothers or sisters but as the colossal powerhouses that they are, particularly, in the professional arena. As such, Azania thought that it would be a great initiative to celebrate women through hosting a webinar with a panel of exceptional women who are each thought leaders in their own right, in their respective professions.
The panel consisted of three remarkable women being: Adv. Ayesha Tiry, the Founder of the South African Black Women in Law (SABWiL); Ms. Vuyiswa Mutshekwane, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP); Ms. Mabaeng Lenyai, the Vice President of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA); and the Master of Ceremonies for the night was Ms. Kamogelo Malachi, a chartered accountant, who is a Director of SDM Consulting.  An array of discussions was had throughout the session, that were thought provoking and inspiring to all parties in attendance. Each panelist discussed their own individual journeys from humble beginnings to their captain of industry roles in their respective fields.  Our three Mbokodos are as follows:

Adv. Ayesha Tiry
Adv. Ayesha Tiry is a seasoned practising advocate of the High Court. Counsel was inspired to establish SABWiL on 14 February 2016. The foundation of SABWiL is based on the phrase “Igama lamakhosikazi malibongwe! And let the name of women be praised!” As best described by Adv Ayesha Tiry, SABWiL is “A consciousness movement that celebrates South Africa, Blacks, Women and Law, founded on dignity, equality and freedoms, infused in the philosophies of Ubuntu and Zenzele. ”Through SABWiL, Adv. Tiry and like-minded practitioners, experts and educators, provide various training workshops and mentorship opportunities for a number of law students, aspiring legal practitioners and graduates. The SABWiL Alumni movement is currently led by our elected EXCO, with Alumna President Prudence Mathe at the helm.

Ms. Vuyiswa Mutshekwane
Ms. Vuyiswa Mutshekwane is an experienced property developer and the CEO of SAIBPP. The SAIBPP is a non-profit organisation that serves as a voluntary professional association comprised of members from the property sector and the built environment. The primary objective of SAIBPP is to advocate for transformation in the property sector through policy advocacy, education and training, and enterprise support and development.
Before Ms. Mutshekwane was the experienced property developer and successful businesswoman she is today, she started out as a talented clothes designer for Edcon, then a boutique owner. As they say, the rest is history as she went on to developing and owning several businesses and properties.
Ms. Mutshekwane proves through her own story that ambition, dedication and smart work can catapult us to great heights.

Ms. Mabaeng Lenyai
Ms. Mabaeng Lenyai is an experienced practising attorney who also happens to be the Vice President of the LSSA. The LSSA is a professional body that has been representing the attorneys’ profession since 1998. The LSSA works in collaboration with the Legal Practice Council (LPC), which regulates attorneys and advocates in South Africa. The LPC further outlines the procedure used for the registration of attorneys and advocates, in terms of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014.
The LSSA plays a key role in the attorneys’ profession as it brings together the Black Lawyers Association, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and provincial attorneys’ associations in representing the attorneys’ profession in South Africa. The LSSA’s mission is to represent the attorneys’ profession and to safeguard the rule of law through the efficient and fair administration of justice.

The Azania Ladies Room with these Mbokodo was provocative, leaving many of us enlightened. Most importantly, we are inspired to reach great heights. The words spoken by Ms Mabaeng Lenyai that are imprinted in my heart are: “You are a brand, carry yourself like one. Take yourself seriously”. We, therefore, look forward to Azania hosting more exciting and moving occasions. Vuk’uzenzele.

We urge all our members to adhere to the COVID-19 regulations, wear their masks and sanitize. Ubuntu.

Alumnus Koketso Choeu
SABWiL Alumni