Brigitta Mangale

Director

Brigitta Mangale is a Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice. Brigitta is responsible for the management of the firm's Cape Town based Practice, as well as overseeing the Cape Town office's pro bono matters and CSR contributions.

 

Brigitta Mangale

About Brigitta

Brigitta is passionate about the advancement of women's rights and women's issues and is building a specialization in this area. She is also passionate about the enforcement and development of land rights. She is currently pursuing a constitutional challenge to legislation with a view to promote and extend the protection afforded to victims of all forms of sexual abuse. She is also separately pursuing a constitutional challenge to legislation with the intention to develop our law in a manner that appropriately extends the recognition of informal and indigenous land rights. Brigitta's practice also includes matters focused on community development and upliftment, and the promotion of meaningful transformation, all of which include human rights and public interest imperatives.

Brigitta was appointed Director in 2022.

Areas of expertise

Credentials

Education

  • LLB UCT (2011)

LANGUAGES

  • English

News

High Court condones Minister of Police’s six-year delay in delivering his plea
Pro Bono & Human Rights

High Court condones Minister of Police’s six-year delay in delivering his plea

Tuesday 25 November 2025 marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children (16 Days), a period in which we are all annually called to stand...

A fight for the right to basic education: A tale of enduring state failure
Pro Bono & Human Rights

A fight for the right to basic education: A tale of enduring state failure

The right to basic education has recently occupied the spotlight in the Western Cape Division of the High Court. In E qual Education & Others v Head of Department: Western Cape Education...

Standing united against Gender-Based Violence

Standing united against Gender-Based Violence

Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, was recently featured in Business Media Magazine, where she discussed “Standing united against Gender-Based Violence.”

Beyond 16 Days Podcast Series | Pride in Practice Part 2 – Unpacking LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Beyond 16 Days Podcast Series | Pride in Practice Part 2 – Unpacking LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

This episode highlights the vital role of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

The importance of Pride in Practice and exploring the legal landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa
Pro Bono & Human Rights

The importance of Pride in Practice and exploring the legal landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa

Access Chapter 2 admitted as amicus curiae in landmark sex work decriminalisation case
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Access Chapter 2 admitted as amicus curiae in landmark sex work decriminalisation case

In May 2024 in the Western Cape Division of the High Court, S.H. and The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) launched a landmark legal challenge to decriminalise sex...

Technology, collaboration and disrupting gender norms
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Technology, collaboration and disrupting gender norms

In this powerful episode of the CDH Women’s Empowerment Series, Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, speaks with Leanora Tima, Managing Director of Gender...

Deadly delays caused by SAPS’ failure to confront crimes against children
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Deadly delays caused by SAPS’ failure to confront crimes against children

Every child in South Africa has a constitutional right to be protected from abuse, neglect and violence. However, two recent parliamentary meetings have laid bare a painful truth:...

Reflecting on Freedom Day: Are our children free?
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Reflecting on Freedom Day: Are our children free?

South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on 27 April each year, honouring the date of our first democratic elections in 1994. However, more than 30 years later, there is no doubt that freedom...

Reflecting on Human Rights Day and Freedom Day: The Cases of Omotoso and Cwecwe
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Reflecting on Human Rights Day and Freedom Day: The Cases of Omotoso and Cwecwe

We celebrate Human Rights Day on 21 March to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 and to signify the nation’s unanimous commitment to protecting and upholding the rights contained...

Upholding human rights all year round
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Upholding human rights all year round

At CDH, we recognise the responsibility we have to promote access to justice and safeguard basic human rights.

Accelerate Action – The state of gender equality in the African legal sector – Part 2
Firm News

Accelerate Action – The state of gender equality in the African legal sector – Part 2

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we gathered a powerhouse panel of women in law to discuss the evolving role of women in the African legal sector.

The profound reach and impact of our Pro Bono & Human Rights practice in 2024
Firm News

The profound reach and impact of our Pro Bono & Human Rights practice in 2024

At CDH we are committed to promoting human rights, enabling access to justice and driving meaningful change. This is why we set up a dedicated Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice (Pro...

The National Register for Sex Offenders: Nowhere left  to hide
Pro Bono & Human Rights

The National Register for Sex Offenders: Nowhere left to hide

On 18 November 2024 the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) released and handed over to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) a groundbreaking national...

A force for justice: A fierce approach to upholding Human Rights in South Africa
Pro Bono & Human Rights

A force for justice: A fierce approach to upholding Human Rights in South Africa

Brigitta Mangale, Director, and Elgene Roos, Senior Associate in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, were recently featured in Public Sector Leaders in an article titled "A force...

A guide on how to apply for a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998
Pro Bono & Human Rights

A guide on how to apply for a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998

Today marks the commemorative close of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

Addressing GBV Injustices in the Criminal Justice System
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Addressing GBV Injustices in the Criminal Justice System

Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice, joined Elvis Presslin on SAfm to discuss 'Addressing GBV Injustices in the Criminal Justice System.'

The Embrace Project
Pro Bono & Human Rights

The Embrace Project

"As we continue to stand in solidarity with the activists of the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, we take a moment to reflect on what has been achieved...

Standing in solidarity against gender-based violence and femicide
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Standing in solidarity against gender-based violence and femicide

As we continue to stand in solidarity with the activists who began the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, we take a moment to reflect on what can be achieved through collective...

Realising Women's Rights for an Equal Future
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Realising Women's Rights for an Equal Future

Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, and Claudia Grobler, Associate in the Dispute Resolution practice, were recently featured in the Sunday Times Celebrating...

Justice and Public Interest on the Mic – Episode 1
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Justice and Public Interest on the Mic – Episode 1

Since 2011, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's (CDH) Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice (Pro Bono Practice) has been at the heart of our firm's commitment to making a real difference.

Striving to honour and empower women this Women’s Day, and year-round
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Striving to honour and empower women this Women’s Day, and year-round

Each year we pay tribute to the thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, protesting against the extension of pass laws to women. We pause to reflect...

Long walk to freedom, and longer still to go
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Long walk to freedom, and longer still to go

27 April 2024 marked 30 years of democracy in South Africa. Since the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, and the adoption of the final Constitution in 1996, South Africa...

30 years of democracy: A conversation on the role of business and civil society
Firm News

30 years of democracy: A conversation on the role of business and civil society

The upcoming Freedom Day on 27 April 2024 marks 30 years since our country's first democratic vote. In this episode, produced in commemoration of Freedom Day, CDH Pro Bono & Human...

Video | The significant impact of our Pro Bono & Human Rights practice
Firm News

Video | The significant impact of our Pro Bono & Human Rights practice

As we commemorate Human Rights Day on Thursday, 21 March, one of the ways CDH demonstrates our commitment to the transformation of our society is through our dedicated Pro Bono & Human...

Beyond 16 Days Episode 2: The importance of Human Rights Day and exploring constitutional damages as an effective remedy
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Beyond 16 Days Episode 2: The importance of Human Rights Day and exploring constitutional damages as an effective remedy

In episode two of our Beyond 16 Days Series, Director Brigitta Mangale and Senior Associate Elgene Roos in the Pro Bono & Humans Rights practice unpack the importance of Human Rights...

Beyond 16 Days | Working on women's rights, all year round
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Beyond 16 Days | Working on women's rights, all year round

Director Brigitta Mangale and Senior Associate Elgene Roos in the Pro Bono & Humans Rights practice are both passionate about women's rights and the fight against violence for women.

16 Days of Activism: A call for business activism
Pro Bono & Human Rights

16 Days of Activism: A call for business activism

This year marks the 25th anniversary since South Africa initiated 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

WOZA Podcast Two - The challenges women in law face today
Firm News

WOZA Podcast Two - The challenges women in law face today

Join CDH Conversations as we continue to commemorate 100 years of women in law. This series of three episodes, hosted in collaboration with WOZA Women in Law explores the history and...

Women empowerment through impact litigation
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Women empowerment through impact litigation

This conversation forms part of the CDH Women in Law podcast series, where several members of our firm will discuss the importance of women's empowerment and highlight CDH's dedication...

High Court condones Minister of Police’s six-year delay in delivering his plea
Pro Bono & Human Rights

High Court condones Minister of Police’s six-year delay in delivering his plea

Tuesday 25 November 2025 marked the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children (16 Days), a period in which we are all annually called to stand...

A fight for the right to basic education: A tale of enduring state failure
Pro Bono & Human Rights

A fight for the right to basic education: A tale of enduring state failure

The right to basic education has recently occupied the spotlight in the Western Cape Division of the High Court. In E qual Education & Others v Head of Department: Western Cape Education...

Standing united against Gender-Based Violence

Standing united against Gender-Based Violence

Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, was recently featured in Business Media Magazine, where she discussed “Standing united against Gender-Based Violence.”

Access Chapter 2 admitted as amicus curiae in landmark sex work decriminalisation case
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Access Chapter 2 admitted as amicus curiae in landmark sex work decriminalisation case

In May 2024 in the Western Cape Division of the High Court, S.H. and The Sex Workers Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) launched a landmark legal challenge to decriminalise sex...

Deadly delays caused by SAPS’ failure to confront crimes against children
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Deadly delays caused by SAPS’ failure to confront crimes against children

Every child in South Africa has a constitutional right to be protected from abuse, neglect and violence. However, two recent parliamentary meetings have laid bare a painful truth:...

Reflecting on Human Rights Day and Freedom Day: The Cases of Omotoso and Cwecwe
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Reflecting on Human Rights Day and Freedom Day: The Cases of Omotoso and Cwecwe

We celebrate Human Rights Day on 21 March to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 and to signify the nation’s unanimous commitment to protecting and upholding the rights contained...

Upholding human rights all year round
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Upholding human rights all year round

At CDH, we recognise the responsibility we have to promote access to justice and safeguard basic human rights.

The profound reach and impact of our Pro Bono & Human Rights practice in 2024
Firm News

The profound reach and impact of our Pro Bono & Human Rights practice in 2024

At CDH we are committed to promoting human rights, enabling access to justice and driving meaningful change. This is why we set up a dedicated Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice (Pro...

The National Register for Sex Offenders: Nowhere left  to hide
Pro Bono & Human Rights

The National Register for Sex Offenders: Nowhere left to hide

On 18 November 2024 the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) released and handed over to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) a groundbreaking national...

A force for justice: A fierce approach to upholding Human Rights in South Africa
Pro Bono & Human Rights

A force for justice: A fierce approach to upholding Human Rights in South Africa

Brigitta Mangale, Director, and Elgene Roos, Senior Associate in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, were recently featured in Public Sector Leaders in an article titled "A force...

Standing in solidarity against gender-based violence and femicide
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Standing in solidarity against gender-based violence and femicide

As we continue to stand in solidarity with the activists who began the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991, we take a moment to reflect on what can be achieved through collective...

Realising Women's Rights for an Equal Future
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Realising Women's Rights for an Equal Future

Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, and Claudia Grobler, Associate in the Dispute Resolution practice, were recently featured in the Sunday Times Celebrating...

Striving to honour and empower women this Women’s Day, and year-round
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Striving to honour and empower women this Women’s Day, and year-round

Each year we pay tribute to the thousands of women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, protesting against the extension of pass laws to women. We pause to reflect...

Long walk to freedom, and longer still to go
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Long walk to freedom, and longer still to go

27 April 2024 marked 30 years of democracy in South Africa. Since the country’s first democratic elections in 1994, and the adoption of the final Constitution in 1996, South Africa...

16 Days of Activism: A call for business activism
Pro Bono & Human Rights

16 Days of Activism: A call for business activism

This year marks the 25th anniversary since South Africa initiated 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

Beyond 16 Days Podcast Series | Pride in Practice Part 2 – Unpacking LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Beyond 16 Days Podcast Series | Pride in Practice Part 2 – Unpacking LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

This episode highlights the vital role of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in South Africa’s fight against gender-based violence and femicide.

The importance of Pride in Practice and exploring the legal landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa
Pro Bono & Human Rights

The importance of Pride in Practice and exploring the legal landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights in South Africa

Technology, collaboration and disrupting gender norms
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Technology, collaboration and disrupting gender norms

In this powerful episode of the CDH Women’s Empowerment Series, Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, speaks with Leanora Tima, Managing Director of Gender...

Reflecting on Freedom Day: Are our children free?
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Reflecting on Freedom Day: Are our children free?

South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on 27 April each year, honouring the date of our first democratic elections in 1994. However, more than 30 years later, there is no doubt that freedom...

Accelerate Action – The state of gender equality in the African legal sector – Part 2
Firm News

Accelerate Action – The state of gender equality in the African legal sector – Part 2

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we gathered a powerhouse panel of women in law to discuss the evolving role of women in the African legal sector.

Addressing GBV Injustices in the Criminal Justice System
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Addressing GBV Injustices in the Criminal Justice System

Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice, joined Elvis Presslin on SAfm to discuss 'Addressing GBV Injustices in the Criminal Justice System.'

Justice and Public Interest on the Mic – Episode 1
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Justice and Public Interest on the Mic – Episode 1

Since 2011, Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr's (CDH) Pro Bono & Human Rights Practice (Pro Bono Practice) has been at the heart of our firm's commitment to making a real difference.

30 years of democracy: A conversation on the role of business and civil society
Firm News

30 years of democracy: A conversation on the role of business and civil society

The upcoming Freedom Day on 27 April 2024 marks 30 years since our country's first democratic vote. In this episode, produced in commemoration of Freedom Day, CDH Pro Bono & Human...

Beyond 16 Days Episode 2: The importance of Human Rights Day and exploring constitutional damages as an effective remedy
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Beyond 16 Days Episode 2: The importance of Human Rights Day and exploring constitutional damages as an effective remedy

In episode two of our Beyond 16 Days Series, Director Brigitta Mangale and Senior Associate Elgene Roos in the Pro Bono & Humans Rights practice unpack the importance of Human Rights...

Beyond 16 Days | Working on women's rights, all year round
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Beyond 16 Days | Working on women's rights, all year round

Director Brigitta Mangale and Senior Associate Elgene Roos in the Pro Bono & Humans Rights practice are both passionate about women's rights and the fight against violence for women.

WOZA Podcast Two - The challenges women in law face today
Firm News

WOZA Podcast Two - The challenges women in law face today

Join CDH Conversations as we continue to commemorate 100 years of women in law. This series of three episodes, hosted in collaboration with WOZA Women in Law explores the history and...

Women empowerment through impact litigation
Pro Bono & Human Rights

Women empowerment through impact litigation

This conversation forms part of the CDH Women in Law podcast series, where several members of our firm will discuss the importance of women's empowerment and highlight CDH's dedication...

From vision to fruition.