Black lawyers stand strong, tall

LIMPOPO – IT IS a myth that a black person cannot go far in a law career, says judge president of the North and South Gauteng High Court, Dunstan Mlambo.

Mlambo was addressing members of the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) in Limpopo under the theme “Transformation and Black Excellence” at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort in Polokwane on Saturday evening.

“The BLA should do some honest introspection and follow the example of those they interact with. We live amongst grinding poverty and joblessness in South Africa and it is in black society. Shouldn’t we do something?” he questioned.

He said lawyers had been at the forefront of changing societal trends. “There is something called a targeted litigation strategy. Looking at the landscape of South Africa, almost without exception the litigation that seeks to address social economic challenges of the majority of black South Africans is run by non-government organisations that derived their leadership and agenda from liberal sectors.

“BLA, there is a space for you because you understand black society challenges a lot more than other people who are in that space,” he said.

“What prevents the BLA from making millionaires or billionaires aware so that they can start supporting causes that will make sure that they are not alienated from the larger South African society? If you drive into the township now with your luxury car, you will see unemployed black youths sitting at the corner and they see you as a target. We are alienated,” he said.

“Let’s go back to basics as a black society. BLA, make your presence count when the high court starts operating here. We should never allow mediocrity because that will make us a laughing stock.

“I encourage excellence and I know the BLA can do a lot to encourage excellence amongst its members,” he continued.

“The Limpopo high court has more than double the workload that the Thohoyandou high court that has been there for years is doing. The Gauteng division carries the Supreme Court of Appeal. Over 70% of appeals come from Gauteng. Take Gauteng away, and the division will close shop. When the high court starts operating here, you will have a labour court here and there will be labour court sittings here in Polokwane. Why should the sittings go to Braamfontein when there is a high court here,” Mlambo said.

Later in the evening, BLA Limpopo chairperson, Phaswane Mogale, handed out service awards to members. He said they could not forget to honour the founding members of the BLA. He said these accolades would give courage to the heroes in the industry.

Kgeledi Ramodipa, who received an accolade on behalf of her family member, Richard Ramodipa, who passed away, said the family felt honoured.