This is a dedicated celebration of our law alumni and the powerful footprints they leave in legal, business, and social spaces. We hope this tradition continues to grow in strength and spirit – creating a space where different generations of UJ Law graduates can connect, collaborate, and reflect,” said Professor Van der Linde. A central theme of the evening’s dialogue was Access to Justice – a critical issue in South Africa’s evolving legal landscape. Advocate Muhammed Coovadia addressed the question, “What does access to justice mean?” He noted: “Access to justice is enshrined in Section 34 of the Constitution. But what does it truly mean? It’s not merely about having a courtroom in a rural area, but what
actually happens inside that courtroom. I’ve handled matters where justice was not served to those who needed it most. Ultimately, it’s about ensuring substantive justice, not just procedural access.” Mr Gift Xaba, Senior Associate in Pro Bono and Human Rights at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, echoed these sentiments: “Legal education is fundamental to improving access to justice. While strides have been made, we still face a gap between the law as understood by legal practitioners and how it is perceived by the general public. Many people who come to pro bono offices are fortunate to receive assistance, but there remains a critical need to bridge the information gap. Often, people just want to be heard,” he said. Advocate Tubatsi Moloi highlighted the need for systemic transformation: “Access to justice is inextricably linked to transforming the legal profession. We must capacitate legal aid offices across the country to ensure broader, meaningful access.” Ms Yvonne Shabangu, a labour law specialist, reflected on the challenges of affordability and awareness:
“Even when legal services are made affordable, we still face limitations. Many clients must be referred to law clinics or pro bono offices, but these are often overwhelmed. In the field of labour law, many individuals are unaware of their rights and where to seek help. Addressing this begins with legal education – hosting workshops and outreach initiatives is essential.” Mrs Tshegofatso Gaelae added a compelling perspective on the role of legal professionals as conduits for justice: “We, as legal practitioners, are the access. Justice may mean one thing to us and something entirely different to the layperson. Many in rural areas may not have traditional resources, but they have mobile connectivity. We must use our platforms –especially social media – to inform and empower. During my time at Legal Aid South Africa, I saw firsthand how many South Africans are indigent and unable to afford private legal services. That is why we must serve as accessible bridges to justice.” The event served as both a celebration and a call to action, honouring the legacy of UJ’s legal alumni while highlighting their ongoing responsibility to champion justice, equality, and access for all. Whether you’re an aspiring lawyer or a seasoned professional, this event was certainly one for the books which left one inspired. It celebrated the legacy of the Orange Army and its commitment to excellence in law. The University of Johannesburg is proud of its Faculty of Law and its alumni, whose contributions continue to shape the legal landscape of South Africa, and beyond, 20 years on.
To watch this event, click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKdNSmJTh4Q
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