Esteemed Justice Mpati Opens Rhodes Law Faculty
Justice Lex Mpati
The Honourable Justice Lex Mpati, alumnus and member of Council of Rhodes University, and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, officially opened the Rhodes Law Faculty on Tuesday, 24 February 2009.
In his address Justice Mpati spoke of the need for legal practioners not to turn a blind eye to social injustices, saying: “Law students must understand that social responsibility is part of legal training.” He praised the work of the Rhodes Legal Aid Clinic, encouraging law students to make a difference in the lives of ordinary citizens by pursuing pro bono work.
He reflected on his choice of studying Law at Rhodes, and said that he had primarily been motivated to champion the cause of the under privileged. He said that, “Rhodes [law] students are privileged to be training at this prestigious institution and must therefore seize all available opportunities to help others.”
The Rhodes Law Faculty has a proud history having come a long way since its inception in 1905. A special blend of theoretical education and practical training has earned the Faculty a sound reputation for excellence in teaching and research over its 104 year existence.
Students of the Law Faculty who excelled during the 2008 academic year were presented with awards and certificates by Justice Mpati at the same ceremony.
It is fitting that the awards were presented by a man who embodies a living legacy. From petrol attendant to President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, his rise in the legal profession shows that nothing is impossible for those who pursue their dreams.
The Honourable Justice entered Rhodes in 1980, graduating with a B.A in 1982 and an LLB in 1984. After completing his articles, he practised as an attorney in Grahamstown.
In 1989, he joined the Eastern Cape Bar. During this chapter of his career he championed the cause of the political and economic underdog.
In 1996, he was appointed as senior counsel and a year later he became a judge on the Eastern Cape bench.
Within two years, he was appointed an acting judge of appeal and became the first black permanent judge of appeal in December 2000. Three years later he was appointed Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Rhodes University bestowed a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) on him in 2004, a historical year marking the 100th year of the University’s existence and the 10th year of South Africa’s democracy.
2008 saw him appointed President of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), the top judicial position in the country after the Chief Justice.
Justice Mpati is an important symbol and role-model for generations of Rhodians yet unborn, and his presence at the Law Faculty opening was clearly a motivating factor for the current generation of law students in attendance.
Story by Earl Hodges, Rhodes University Communications and Development Division.
