Capacity: Judge
First Appointed as Judge: KwaZulu-Natal High Court (October 2024)
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: Indian
Date of Birth: November 1972
Qualifications: BSocSci (1994)(University of Natal) LLB (1996)(University of Durban-Westville)
Candidate Bio:
Judge Rithy Singh is a judge of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court.
Judge Rithy Singh has been in legal practice for 27 years, during which she has gained extensive experience in both opposed and unopposed matters, civil trials, and appeals. Her areas of specialisation include family law, civil litigation, and commercial law matters.
In addition to her legal practice, Singh has contributed to legal education, lecturing paralegals at the Community Rural Development Centre on matrimonial and family law topics.
Between 2004 and 2024, she served as an Acting High Court Judge in both the Durban and Pietermaritzburg divisions, presiding over cases in civil and criminal law. Her time on the bench allowed her to expand her practical legal expertise by engaging in judicial decision-making in high-stakes cases. Singh emphasises the significance of being “the voice of the voiceless” as one of her most meaningful contributions to the law and justice in South Africa. She believes that her role as an advocate enables her to give a platform to those who might otherwise remain unheard. This commitment has been her driving strength, particularly in cases involving vulnerable women and children. Rithy Singh‘s approach is marked by profound compassion and empathy, qualities that have guided her through sensitive and complex legal matters.
October 2024 Interview:
October 2024 Interview Synopsis: KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court
Short and sweet, Adv Singh breezed through her 21 minute interview before the JSC.
Judge President Poyo-Dlwati commended her for the good work that she performed in her acting stints and questioned her view on the current level of comradery at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court. Having acted in 2003 and 2023 she was able to provide an informed comparison to what she explained was a notable difference in the comradery that now exists amongst the judges of the court.
When it was the Premier’s turn to ask questions he stated how impressed he was with the energy that she had at the time of her interview. When questioned on her view on delayed judgments and what role she could play in positively contributing to reducing this issue, Adv Singh explained that it is not excusable to be delayed on judgments because people come to court “wanting their day in court but also wanting finality on their matters”.
Acknowledging the importance of a gender transformation in the judiciary, Commissioner Lekganyane posed; “we cannot confidently say that we have achieved, with regard to the affirmation of women, in this country particularly in the judiciary and other sectors. If you were to be appointed, what becomes your commitment to lifting up the spirit and supporting other women, particularly those that belong to previously marginalized communities?”. Adv Singh explained that she would make herself available for the various mentoring and training programs that are run through the OCJ and SAJEI.
Ultimately, Adv Singh was successful in her interview.
