Rodney Stuart Black
Rodney Stuart Black...........son, brother, lawyer and friend
Rodney was born to Ivan and Maureen Black in Cradock on 20th May 1950. They moved to the neighbouring town of Tarkastad soon after, where he attended primary school.
I came into his life in August 1952. Being so close in age, we were inevitably lumped together in the larger group of friends we shared in our small community. However, from a very early age, Rod made it quite clear as to what my position was in the hierarchy of both our family and the gang of “dorpskinders” that we socialised with! This, and the differences in our personalities often resulted in squabbles. My Mother’s solution for these, too frequent sibling scraps, was the hard end of the feather-duster! Rod and I were invariably seated opposite each other at the dining table with my Mother and the feather-duster (peace keeper) in between! Even in those days I could never win an argument with Rod. He seemed to have been born with the ability to convince everyone that he was right.....an indication of his future capabilities as an advocate? So, at an early age, I learned to accept that our differences were not conducive to us being mates on a social level. However, I always knew that he loved and cared for me as a brother. This was clearly demonstrated one day when I had again been in trouble, had a run-in with my Mom and the feather-duster, and was left crying in a corner. Rod came up to me, put his arm around me and said, “Don’t worry, Gar, she’s just an old witch!” On the contrary, he has been a pillar of strength to our Mom in her old age, particularly in recent years, since the death of our Father.
Throughout our childhood Rod was the good son. I cannot recall him ever doing anything really naughty. In our childhood games of “cops and robbers” or “cowboys and Indians”, he was always the good cop or brave sheriff while I was the dirty robber or evil Indian! His proud parents kept all his school reports, all of which were filled with praise and recognition. His squat stature prevented him from being really good at sport but, he was a useful “prop” in the second rugby team and a good tennis player. Later in life his strong legs and iron will helped him to successfully run many marathons, including the Argus Two Oceans marathon. However, he excelled academically, being one of the top two in every standard at school and finally achieving a first class matric. He was a formidable debater and natural leader and was elected deputy-head boy at De la Salle College in East London in 1967. Of course, his natural instinct never to lose drove him to achieve much success. At an early age he developed a sincere commitment to religion and the pursuit of truth and social justice, beliefs which he pursued throughout his life.
Rod really thrived at studying towards his B.Com.LLB. at Rhodes University. He participated fully in campus life, playing rugby for the Under 20A side and enjoying squash. His obvious popularity and leadership amongst his colleagues was recognised in his election as Head Student of Founders Hall and his appointment as a sub-warden of Botha House. He again excelled academically and was awarded the Spilkin Prize for the best 3rd year law student. He held various offices in the Rhodes University Students Law Society. Ever mindful of those less fortunate than himself, he participated actively in various community development projects, including adult literacy campaigns and building schools for disadvantaged learners.
In legal practice, Rod was at his best as an advocate. He appeared in a variety of commercial, criminal and labour law cases in various courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court of Appeal. Rod served as Senior Crown Counsel and legal training officer in the office of the Attorney-General of Swaziland. While practising at the Johannesburg Bar (1983-1992) he represented numerous civic leaders and communities in several major political trials which resulted from resistance to the unjust laws which prevailed at the time. Some notable cases included the Bophuthatswana coup d’etat trial held at Mmabatho, one of the so-called Delmas trials and a complex trial referred to as the Messina Trial.
During our first democratic elections, he held the office of Provincial Secretary for the Adjudication Directorate, Mpumalanga for the Independent Electoral Commission. Amongst his many accolades, is a Certificate of Recognition for his work as a leader of evidence in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and a letter of appreciation for his work as a Regional Magistrate in the Criminal Courts at Parow.
In his own words he summed up his objectives as follows, ” The Constitution and the Bill of Rights must constitute the overriding normative value when interpreting and developing the law. The judgements of our Courts should stem from the same constitutional and humanitarian foundation, namely the need to uphold the rule of law and the basic principles of human dignity, equality and freedom. Throughout my career in law I have worked towards the attainment of this value system, I shall continue to endeavour to make a positive contribution towards the objectives of establishing a just society”.
Over the past few years Rod has truly valued the friendship and kindness he has enjoyed from so many people in the Deep South, whether through business, Rotary, Church or at a social level. On his behalf, I thank you all most sincerely. Despite many ups and downs in life, Rod always returned to pursue his religious life. His extensive reading of religious works and involvement in the community as a Minister of the Eucharist bear testimony to his deep faith, love for his fellowman and trust in God. I am sure he would like me to thank you, his friends and the Catholic Community of the South for the privilege of being able to serve you.
Rod Black, advocate and attorney at law was called to lodge his heads of argument at the pearly gates on Monday morning 27 August 2012 and for once, he could not apply for a postponement. Now, a week later, despite his personal shortcomings and weaknesses, I am sure that he has produced sufficient evidence of his sincere belief and faith in God, his love for his fellowman, and his relentless pursuit of the principles of human dignity, equality, freedom, truth and fairness, to persuade St Peter to open those gates and let him pass. At the very least, I would expect that he has used all his debating skills and doggone determination in the pursuit of justice, to convince the Powers That Be that he is worthy of spending eternity in a heaven where the peace, fairness and justice which he held so dear, prevails.
Until we meet again, be at peace dear brother. We will cherish your memory and will strive to continue your work towards a just society for all.
With love, your “boet”,
Gary
