Empowering Change: The legal legacy of Judge Navi Pillay
Listen to Judge Navi Pillay's inspiring life journey, spanning from her humble childhood, where she was told she could never afford to become a lawyer, to her relentless advocacy for anti-Apartheid activists and political prisoners, and her remarkable tenure as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
I went from office to office, mostly white law firms and mostly got the same answer. 'We cannot give you a job because we cannot have white secretaries taking instructions from a black person'.
In episode two of Legal Luminaries, Judge Navi Pillay reflects on her journey into the judiciary, the milestones achieved during the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the duty judges have on the bench.
In 1967, Judge Pillay became the first non-white woman to open her own law practice in Natal Province; while years later she was the first non-white woman judge of the High Court of South Africa. Judge Pillay also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
Speaking to Iman Rappetti in this JacPod Original podcast, in collaboration with Juta, Judge Pillay also shares her perspectives on the imperative surrounding the protection of our Constitution and democracy. Listen to their rich conversation below.
Judge Pillay currently holds positions as Judge Ad Hoc of the International Court of Justice in the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (The Gambia v Myanmar), President, International Commission Against the Death Penalty, Madrid, President Advisory Council of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy, Chair of UN/HRC Independent Commission of Inquiry into Israel and Palestine, Member, Africa Group for Justice and Accountability and Co-Convenor, Donor Direct Action, New York.
Meanwhile, last week in our launch episode of Legal Luminaries, Judge Sisi Khampepe shared some of her experiences and vulnerabilities as an aspiring black female lawyer during the Apartheid regime. Judge Khampepe has had a rich legal career and is especially renowned for defending the rights of workers against unfair employment practices.
Listen to Episode One of Legal Luminaries below.
More about Legal Luminaries
Legal Luminaries is a captivating podcast series brought to you by Juta and Jacaranda FM. Hosted by television personality and author, Iman Rappetti, this JacPod Original takes you on a journey through the lives and experiences of renowned legal giants who have played a pivotal role in shaping South African law.
Join us as we sit down with esteemed guests including Judge Navi Pillay, Judge Zak Yacoob, Judge Bernard Ngoepe, and Judge Sisi Khampepe. Listen to their inspiring stories and gain a better understanding of the legal landscape that has shaped our nation's history.
Whether you're a legal enthusiast, a student of law, or simply curious about the minds behind South African democracy and human rights, Legal Luminaries is a must-listen.