The release of the 2026 Courtroom Mail 100 highlights some of the most impactful women shaping the legal profession across Africa. This prestigious list recognises excellence, leadership, and transformation across the continent.

As Basadi Ba Molao, we are proud to celebrate the continued recognition of our founders—Hlaleleni Kathleen Dlepu and Anthea Platt SC—who have once again been included among Africa’s most influential female lawyers.

We honour Hlaleleni Kathleen Dlepu, whose legacy is deeply woven into the foundation of who we are.

With over 35 years in the legal profession, she has been a driving force for transformation and gender equity. As the founder and executive director of Molefe Dlepu Incorporated—the longest-running Black woman-owned legal practice in South Africa—she has consistently opened doors where there were none.

Her impact is not only seen in institutions, but in people.

She has:

• Guided and admitted more than 30 women attorneys
• Dedicated her career to mentoring young women in law
• Built pathways for representation and inclusion

Her leadership has shaped the legal profession at the highest levels, including serving as:

• Secretary General of the Black Lawyers’ Association
• Co-Chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa
• First Chairperson of the Legal Practice Council

Even today, she continues to influence the legal landscape through her roles in the Judicial Service Commission and multiple tribunals.

We also celebrate Anthea Platt SC, whose vision, strength, and leadership continue to shape our mission.

As an advocate and Senior Counsel, she has built a distinguished career over more than two decades—marked by excellence, governance, and transformation.

Her leadership includes:

• Deputy Chair of the Legal Practice Council
• Commissioner at the South African Law Reform Commission
• Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee of the Independent Regulatory Board of Auditors
• Group Leader at Pitje Chambers

Her influence extends into the judiciary and dispute resolution, where she has:

• Served as an acting judge in the Gauteng and North West High Courts
• Acted as an arbitrator for AFSA and the Legal Practice Council
• Adjudicated matters on the SARS Tax Appeal Panel

Her work has always been rooted in advancing transformation, equal opportunity, and gender equality within the legal profession.

In 2019, our founders came together with a shared purpose—to create something that did not exist, but was deeply needed.

From that vision, Basadi Ba Molao was born.

We exist to:

• Support and mentor women in law
• Build a strong and unified community
• Address injustice and discrimination within the profession
• Create space for women to lead, grow, and thrive

Everything we do today is a reflection of that original vision.

Their inclusion in the Courtroom Mail 100 is a meaningful acknowledgment of the work they have done over many years.

It reflects their contribution to:

• Strengthening the legal profession
• Supporting and developing women in law
• Driving transformation within the industry

For us, it is also a reminder of the responsibility we carry to continue building on that foundation.

We celebrate Hlaleleni Kathleen Dlepu and Anthea Platt SC for their continued contribution to the legal profession and for the role they have played in establishing and growing Basadi Ba Molao.

Their work continues to shape both the profession and the community we are building.

References

1. Courtroom Mail. 2026 Courtroom Mail 100: Most Influential African Female Lawyers. Available at: https://www.courtroommail.com/2026-courtroom-mail-100/
2. Basadi Ba Molao. Official Website. Available at: https://basadibamolao.co.za/
3. Legal Practice Council. About the Legal Practice Council. Available at: https://lpc.org.za/
4. Judicial Service Commission. Overview and Functions. Available at: https://www.judiciary.org.za/index.php/judicial-service-commission
5. South African Law Reform Commission. About the Commission. Available at: https://www.justice.gov.za/salrc/