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Herbert Smith Freehills South Africa lawyer, Plaxedes Makura, has been recognised for the fifth consecutive year for her commitment to progressing gender equality and diversity.  In the annual HERoes Female Future Leaders List she has been highlighted for her ongoing dedication to driving a more equitable society.

A manager in the firm’s Alternative Legal Services (ALT) team, based in its Johannesburg office, Makura's place on the 2022 HERoes Female Future Leaders List recognises her efforts in championing women in business and fostering change in the workplace.  Her award comes in the wake of work undertaken to establish Social, Diversity, CSR and Mental Health Committees to provide avenues of support for those in need.

The award is supported by Yahoo Finance and INvolve, a global organisation championing diversity and inclusion in business.

This marks the second award Makura has won in 2022 after being featured on HERoes ethnically diverse role models list – one of just 20 women in the world.

Commenting on her award, Makura says: "For someone of my background, to be recognised globally for a fifth consecutive year is incredibly humbling.  I have always believed in 'paying it forward' and creating awareness that champions diversity and inclusivity matters. This recognition re-affirms my belief that every little step counts and that progress is being made.  Of course, there are many challenges that we still face as a society, but the environment in which I work makes those challenges easier to address simply because the firm places great emphasis on and genuinely supports diversity, inclusivity and equality in the workplace."

Makura joined Herbert Smith Freehills in 2017, helping to launch the Johannesburg ALT team. She has developed a reputation for managing complex, volume intensive, document reviews on matters for international and local clients. Plaxedes was also instrumental in establishing and growing the firm's innovative International Legal Development Programme for Law graduates, and has been a role model to many female graduates on the programme, providing them the opportunity to kick start their legal careers in a supportive environment.

Vanessa Kingsmill, Head of ALT Johannesburg at Herbert Smith Freehills says, "I am thrilled that, once again, Plaxedes has deservedly been recognised for her leadership in such a vital area. She is a role model for women across our business and the legal profession and her contribution to creating a more equitable society should not be understated."

The Heroes Women Role Model Lists are now in their sixth year and comprise three categories - Women Executives, Advocate Executives and Women Future Leaders. These lists recognise women who are leading by example and driving change alongside male advocates who create a more diverse and inclusive business environment for women.


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