Society of Advocates celebrates first black Judge President of North Gauteng

Polokwane Society of Advocates honoured and celebrated the first black Judge President of the North Gauteng High Court, Bernard Ngoepe during the Bar’s annual gala dinner held at Protea Hotel Ranch Resort on Saturday evening.
It was learnt that the gathering is held for affiliates to reflect on the progress made throughout the year and reward legal practitioners who made it big in the legal fraternity. Last year the Bar recognised the Judge President of the Limpopo Division of the High Court, Ephraim Makgoba.
Chairperson of the Bar, William Mukhari said the province never had a society of advocates but that this changed three years ago when the Polokwane Society of Advocates was esablished. He commented that the society continues to produce good results and add more advocates to the Bar through pupillage training. He thanked everyone who is hands-on and committed to ensure growth of the society.
Ngoepe, born and bred in Ga-Matlala, reportedly said judges should be held accountable for the judgments they hand down in court. He further indicated that illegal land occupants sometimes hide behind the Constitution as it states that people have rights to housing and this at times cost municipalities money because they have to relocate them to a suitable land. Ngoepe cautioned protesters to refrain from burning and vandalising schools and hospitals because they deprive residents of their rights to basic education and health care services.
The celebration was also attended by Limpopo born Judge Presidents deployed to different provinces such as Malesela Legodi from Ga-Maja, who is now leading the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court and Aubrey Ledwaba from Mokopane, who is currently the Deputy Judge President of the North Gauteng High Court.

Story & photos: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za