The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Judge Navanethem “Navi” Pillay is a moment of pride for South Africa and for all who believe that law, dignity and accountability must serve people, not power. Her life’s work reflects a truth Black Sash has carried since its founding in 1955: justice is not only written into law – it must be realised in people’s everyday lives.
“Judge Pillay’s recognition is a full-circle moment for South Africa,” said Black Sash Executive Director Rachel Bukasa. “It honours not only an extraordinary jurist, but also the courageous, independent and ethical judges and lawyers who defended people’s rights under apartheid and helped lay the foundations for our democracy.”
Born and trained as a lawyer under apartheid, Judge Pillay became the first Black woman to open her own law practice in Natal in 1967. She defended anti-apartheid activists, helped expose torture and unlawful interrogation practices, and helped secure access to legal representation for Robben Island political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela.
Her subsequent career helped shape the development of international human rights law. As a judge in the landmark Akayesu case at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, she contributed to the recognition of rape and sexual violence as acts that can constitute genocide. She was elected as a founding judge of the International Criminal Court in 2003 and served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
As an organisation founded by women during apartheid, and still shaped by women’s leadership today, Black Sash celebrates Judge Pillay’s extraordinary contribution to human rights, gender justice and international law. Her example reminds us that rights must be defended and claimed, and that their promise must be realised through action.
“This legacy reminds us that an independent judiciary, accountable institutions and access to justice remain essential to protecting democracy today,” Bukasa continued.
Today, Black Sash continues this work through its national paralegal advice helpline, community-based monitoring of social grants and basic services, and advocacy for a comprehensive social protection floor, so that all people living in South Africa can live with dignity and claim the rights to which they are entitled.
Inspired by this legacy of women’s leadership, Black Sash reaffirms its commitment to advancing socio-economic rights, strengthening accountable public institutions and ensuring that the promise of democracy is realised in people’s everyday lives.
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For free paralegal advice on social assistance, social insurance, labour rights and consumer rights, contact the Black Sash national paralegal helpline on 072 663 3739 or 063 610 1865, by phone or WhatsApp, or email .
Visit www.blacksash.org.za for more information about Black Sash’s work.
*Image Credit: Ill. Niklas Elmehed © Nobel Prize Outreach