Judge Bernard Ngoepe: A journey of humble beginnings that led to the bench
In the final episode of this season of Legal Luminaries,
retired Gauteng judge president and former Tax Ombud Bernard Ngoepe shares his
story of growing up in a rural village in Polokwane to serving as a Judge for
18 years.
From his early days tending sheep and cattle – having grown up in a rural village in Polokwane – to a stellar record for his participation in and contributions to human rights and the rule of law in South Africa and abroad, Judge Ngoepe is a pillar of pragmatism and wisdom.
He tells renowned journalist and author Iman Rappetti that one of his biggest life lessons has been finding compassion for his oppressors and using the lessons learned from the past to prevent making the same mistakes in the future.
Judge Ngoepe, author of Rich Pickings out of the Past, also shares his insights on the need for a predictable judiciary and the need for law reform in certain areas. He aptly notes that for any justice system to work, the laws must serve its people.
Listen to the podcast below.
Meanwhile, in episode three of Legal Luminaries, anti-apartheid activist and former Constitutional Court judge, Zak Yacoob, shared his personal and professional life story. From experiencing life as a blind person – having lost his sight at 16 months as a result of meningitis – to seeing and overcoming his own prejudices as a young student and man, Judge Yacoob is both candid, humorous, and authentic.
Listen below.
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 reflected 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.
Judge Pillay also shares her perspectives on the imperative surrounding the protection of our Constitution and democracy.
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.