Our Story
Using the law to challenge injustice.
In 1979 a group of activist lawyers, including prominent human rights lawyers Arthur Chaskalson, Felicia Kentridge and Geoff Budlender, created the Legal Resources Centre with two goals in mind: use the law to resist the oppressive apartheid system, and provide a training ground for public interest lawyering and young black lawyers. The LRC soon became well known for using the law as an instrument to challenge apartheid injustices and for representing black South Africans against the apartheid state. The LRC played an important role in helping to dismantle apartheid legal structures.
Four decades of holding powerful institutions to account.
After the 1994 democratic transition in South Africa, the LRC committed itself to upholding the rights enshrined in the new South African Constitution.
Over the next 30 years, the LRC worked with civil society partners and on behalf of individuals and communities across South Africa. On an individual level the LRC provided free legal services to vulnerable people and marginalised communities. In the wider context of South Africa, the LRC employed strategic litigation to advance gender equality, environmental justice, and access to healthcare. These legal breakthroughs had far reaching benefits for millions of South Africans.
In particular, the LRC helped to abolish the death penalty in South Africa, played an important role in advancing the constitutional rights of women, girls, and people with disabilities, and helped to ensure that the government supplied antiretrovirals to combat mother-to-child HIV transmission.
Tackling the most pressing human rights issues of our time.
Today the LRC is South Africa’s largest public interest law centre. As a well-established, trusted, and formidable defender of human rights, we continue to use strategic litigation and advocacy to promote justice using the Constitution, build respect for the rule of law and constitutional democracy; enable individuals and groups without access to legal resources to assert and develop their rights; promote gender and racial equality; and contribute to the development of a human rights jurisprudence and socio-economic transformation in South Africa and beyond.
A Timeline of
LRC History
1979
The LRC is created by a group of
activist anti-apartheid lawyers to
challenge apartheid laws.
1980
One of the first cases that the LRC takes on – and wins – is the Komani case, which helps to destroy the hated apartheid pass system, which made black South Africans foreigners in their own country.
1994
After South Africa’s transition
to democracy, the LRC
dedicates itself to enforcing the
rights established by the new
Constitution and Bill of Rights.
1995
The LRC is part of the successful
campaign to abolish the death
penalty in South Africa.
1996
Members of the LRC play an
important role in developing the
new Constitution of South Africa.
2001
The LRC wins its first class action
case on behalf of people living
with disabilities
2002
The government is ordered to
supply antiretrovirals to combat
mother-to-child HIV transmissions.
2010s
An important legal victory is
won when the Constitutional
Court ruled that the controversial
Communal Land Rights Act
passed in 2004 is invalid.
2019
A landmark high court judgment upholds the right of undocumented children to
attend school in South Africa in an important case for access to education.
2020
The LRC renews its dedication to
advancing human rights in South
Africa by focusing on the twin
issues of land and education.
2022
A milestone environmental victory is won when Wild Coast communities and civil society organisations, including the LRC, join forces to successfully prevent Shell from conducting seismic tests off the east coast of South Africa.
2022
The LRC undergoes a governance
transition, becoming a non-profit
company.
JOHANNESBURG/NATIONAL OFFICE
2nd Floor West Wing, Women’s Jail,
Constitution Hill,
1 Kotze Street, Braamfontein,
Johannesburg 2001
Tel: +27 11 038 9709
Fax: +27 11 838 4876
CAPE TOWN OFFICE
Block D, Ground Floor, Aintree Office Park,
cnr Doncaster & Loch Roads, Kenilworth,
Cape Town 7708
Tel: +27 21 879 2398
Fax: +27 21 423 0935
DURBAN OFFICE
11th Floor, Aquasky Towers,
275 Anton Lembede Street,
Durban 4001
Tel: +27 31 301 7572
Fax: +27 31 304 2823
MAKHANDA OFFICE
116 High Street,
Makhanda 6139
Tel: +27 46 622 9230
Fax: +27 46 622 3933
Vision and Mission
Our Vision
A democratic, accountable, and transparent society in which equitable and inclusive access to justice, dignity, and human rights are lived realities for all.
Our Mission
To undertake evidence-informed action focused on advancing the transformation of South Africa as a democratic society, using the law as an instrument to remove persistent and pervasive structural obstacles to human rights – with a strategic focus on land and education rights.
Our People
Amanda Moli
Office Assistant
Amanda Moli is an office assistant at the Makhanda Office.
She has been working for the LRC since 2011 and she has obtained a computer certificate while working for the LRC.
Amanda Mpotulo-Matama
Administration Assistant
Amanda is an administration assistant at the LRC Makhanda Office.
She did a Legal Secretary Course and Conveyancing Secretary Course at L.E.A.D in East London in 2012 and have been working in the legal field from 2010.
Anneline Turpin
Attorney
Anneline is an attorney working in the Land Programme at LRC.
She holds an LLM in Business Law, and was admitted in 2008. Anneline previously worked as a commercial attorney, during which time one of her clients included South Africa’s largest public interest housing law organisation, where Anneline was responsible for managing their housing and eviction cases within the eThekwini region of Kwazulu-Natal.
In 2013 Anneline joined the LRC, focusing on strategic impact litigation and assisting clients with unlawful evictions, access to basic services (such as water and sanitation), and challenging unlawful housing policies – thereby contributing to South Africa’s housing law jurisprudence (including litigation decided in the Constitutional Court). Anneline has expanded her focus to include spatial justice and environmental justice litigation.
“My hope for South Africa is more accountability for corruption. This in turn will have an impact on our State-owned entities, providing South Africans with improved service, infrastructure delivery.”
Anshal Bodasing
Manager in the Office of the Director
Anshal is an admitted advocate of the High Court of South Africa and a former member of the Johannesburg Bar.
She completed her BA, LLB, and LLM degrees at the University of Kwa Zulu Natal (Howard College). Anshal’s brief legal career highlights include clerking for Justice Albie Sachs at the Constitutional Court of South Africa, serving as a Commissioner in the Press Freedom Commission, chaired by former Chief Justice, Pius Langa and spending a portion of her practice at the Constitutional Litigation Unit at the Legal Resources Centre between 2010 and 2011. Anshal re-joined the LRC in 2021 where she is presently the Manager in the Office of the Director.
“I would like to be known as someone who made a concerted and consistent effort to see the constitutional project succeed.”
Cecile van Schalkwyk
Attorney
Cecile is an attorney in the Makhanda office of the LRC and works in both the Land Programme and the Education Programme.
She completed her BA (LLB), LLB, and LLM degrees at the University of Stellenbosch and has worked for the LRC since 2016.
“In the future I would like to continue contributing to work that changes the lives of marginalised people.”
Cameron McConnachie
Co-lead: Education Programme
Cameron is the co-lead of the education programme and is based in the LRC’s Makhanda office.
He holds a teaching diploma and a master’s degree in education policy from UCT, and an LLB from Rhodes University. Cameron’s practice at the LRC has focused on education work. He has been the lead attorney on several seminal pieces of litigation which has given content to the right to basic education on issues such as infrastructure, furniture, scholar transport, and stationery.
“The law has great potential to bring about large scale, necessary reform in the education system.”
Claire Rankin
candidate attorney
Claire is a candidate attorney in the Makhanda Office.
She obtained her BA Law and LLB at Stellenbosch University before completing her LLM which focused on the judicial review of the state's budgetary allocations towards socio-economic programmes and policies. While studying, Claire tutored multiple modules in the Public Law Department, worked as a strategic legal writing consultant and legal researcher, and volunteered at numerous public interest and civil society organisations.
"I believe in developing and leveraging the law to ensure accountability and redress in South Africa, in the hope of ensuring a better quality of life for all."
Delysia Weah
Company Secretary
Delysia brings almost two decades of administrative and secretarial experience to her role. Before joining the LRC in 2009, she worked at the City of Johannesburg as an executive assistant and as an operations manager for stakeholder relations. Delysia holds a CIS professional qualification from the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa, a BBA from UNISA, and a qualification in Paralegal Practice from SA Law School.
“I hope to introduce sound governance procedures, contribute to an effective and sustainable company, and be an ambassador in my profession.”
Devon Turner
Attorney
Devon is an attorney at the Cape Town office, where he is a member of the International Networks of Civil Liberties Organisations, African Internet Rights Alliance and is currently engaged in work on digital rights and the right to education.
He holds an LLB degree (summa cum laude) from the University of the Western Cape and an LLM degree in International and Comparative Law at Trinity College Dublin as a Kader Asmal Fellowship recipient. Devon is a former Bertha Justice Initiative fellow. He completed his articles at the Legal Resources Centre.
“I have a passion for public interest law and believes that the law is a catalyst for positive societal transformation.”
Dr. Charlene Kreuser
Attorney
Ektaa Deochand
Attorney
Ektaa is an attorney in the land program at the LRC. She is currently based in the Johannesburg office.
She completed her LLB and LLM in Constitutional Litigation at UKZN. Ektaa’s focus areas include redistribution of land; access to community resources; traditional governance; and women’s equitable access to resources.
Esme Wardle
Office Administrator
Esme joined at the LRC in 1995, working first as a receptionist and accounts assistant in the National Office.
In 2006 she was appointed as the Office Administrator for the National office. This included working jointly with all the lawyers in the LRC arranging their travel needs when cases are heard in different provinces and outside the borders of the Republic of South Africa.
“After 25 years I still honour the wonderful work the LRC is doing.”
Feeyaz Mohamed
Project Accountant
Feeyaz joined LRC as a Project Accountant.
His previous financial management experience includes roles in the within the construction and engineering, government and information technology sectors.
“In the future I would like to see improved safety and service delivery for all in South Africa.”
Ilene Abrams
Development Manager
Ilene Abrams brings over a decade of experience in the Corporate and NGO sectors, with a strong background in marketing and business development.
Before joining the LRC as the Development Manager, she held positions at prominent NGOs such as the Canon Collins Trust and World Vision. Her educational background includes studies in marketing, business management, and financial accounting.
She is passionate about social upliftment and committed to contributing to a world where all individuals, especially women and girls, have equal opportunities to thrive.
Kiara Govender
Candidate Attorney
Kiara is a candidate attorney based in the Durban office. She obtained her LLB with distinction from the IIE’s Varsity College, where she served as the Juridical Society Chairperson and Student Head of the School for Law.
“I am committed to social justice and exploring ways to address the ongoing climate crisis.”
Kimal Harvey
Candidate Attorney
Kimal is a candidate attorney in the Cape Town office.
Kimal holds LLB and BSC degrees from the University of Cape Town (UCT). While completing his Honours, Kimal worked as a tutor in the Political Sciences Department. Prior to his LLB he worked as an intern at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, thereafter he interned twice at the LRC’s Cape Town offices. While completing his studies at UCT, he was the Transformation Representative for the 2020 Faculty of Law Student Council and worked as a student legal advisor at the UCT Law Clinic.
“In the future I hope to contribute to a better future for South Africa by providing the best redress and assistance to our clients as possible.”
Kiren Rutsch
Candidate Attorney
Kiren is a Candidate Attorney based in the Durban office.
He holds a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Cape Town. While studying he also served as the president of a non-profit organization working with small business owners in developing communities around Cape Town. He has previously interned at the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and at the LRC.
“I am optimistic that public interest legal work is uniquely positioned to effect positive change and so, by my own personal development in the field, I would like to use my professional position to make a difference.”
Kristen Abrahams
Candidate Attorney
Kristen is an LLB graduate, who has also received her Honours in English Literature from Wits University.
Previously, she worked at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, in a space dedicated to strengthening democracy in South Africa.
“Through the use and reform of the law, I hope to continue contributing to this, and other spaces, at the LRC. I am passionate about ensuring that all people have the opportunities and resources needed to live dignified lives.”
Lerato Lebotse
Receptionist
Lerato is a receptionist based in the LRC’s national office.
Lerato has over 13 years of experience, which includes working for both NGOs and the private sector. She holds a National Certificate in Tourism and Reception.
Mlamli Tyhulu
Candidate Attorney
Mlamli is a candidate attorney based in the Cape Town office.
He is currently pursuing an LLM degree in Transnational Criminal Justice from the University of the Western Cape.
“I am a passionate activist who believes that I can meaningfully contribute to human rights law, through my love for justice, literature, and people.”
Madile Mashinini
Human Resources Officer
Madile joined the LRC in October 2012 is currently a Human Resources Officer.
Madile continues to support the organisation with all personnel related administrative duties, ranging from recruitment to employee wellbeing and overall payroll and benefits support.
“I believe that there must be improved norms and standards at basic and higher education levels in South Africa, allowing all children in the country access to quality education. The disparity between public and private education in the land is deeply concerning and if the scales remain as unbalanced, we will never come close to reducing the gap between the haves and the have nots.”
Moray Hathorn
Attorney
Moray is an attorney, notary and conveyancer with extensive experience in land reform, the law relating to traditional authorities and the right to housing and gender equality.
Moray has most recently worked on cases and issues arising from the State Capture phenomenon and in cases on behalf of the families of victims of brutality at the hands of the former Security Branch of the apartheid regime. Previously, he spent 15 years working at the Legal Resource Centre before being appointed to found and head the Public Interest Law Unit at Webber Wentzel attorneys in 2003. He returned to practice as an attorney and to mentor junior lawyers at the LRC in January 2023. Moray has BA and LLB degrees from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. In 2018 he was recognised as African Attorney of the year – partner level.
“I would like to see a South Africa in which young people can look forward to a fulfilling and dignified life, a life in which they can live assured of proper health care and a decent education, a life in which they and their families can be properly housed, a life in which they can enjoy good jobs and incomes sufficient to sustain and enable their families and children to reach their full potential.”
Muyenga Mugerwa-Sekawabe
Attorney
Muyenga (he/they) is an attorney based in the LRC Cape Town office.
He holds BSC, LLB and LLM degrees from the University of Cape Town (UCT). His LLM dissertation was on the enjoyment of the right to freedom of association by LGBT non-governmental organizations in Africa. Whilst completing his LLM, Muyenga worked as a teaching assistant in the Department of Public Law at UCT. Muyenga also worked as an Associate Editor for the South African Journal on Human Rights.
“I am passionate about working in the public interest litigation sector and I have a particular interest in refugee, children’s and LGBTQIA+ rights.”
Nicholas Chetwin
Financial Manager
Nicholas is responsible for Finance and is based in Johannesburg.
He has a BSc from UCT and an MBA from Wits. Having started his career in IT he segued into finance and was financial director of an IT company for many years. He joined the LRC in 2019.
Nersan Govender
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LEGAL RESOURCES CENTRE
Nersan’s core focus is building high performing and impactful organisations. He has spent the better part of his career developing organisations that are performance and impact driven to realise their goals and objectives.
He has also worked in organisations that required a turnaround strategy, embedding strong strategic, structural change and governance principles. These were achieved in his work at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and currently at the Legal Resources Centre (LRC), as well as other organisations in both voluntary and advisory capacities.
Neliswa Mbuyazi
candidate attorney
Neliswa is a candidate attorney in the Durban Office. Neliswa holds an LLB and is currently an LLM candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
She has led in various organisations, notably as Branch Secretary of UKZN UNICEF Campus Club; Peace, Security and Human Rights Officer of the UKZN BRICS Student Commission; and as Chairperson of BLA-SC Howard College. Neliswa has also volunteered at ProBono.org Durban Office and served as an intern for the LRC before joining the Durban team as a CA.
“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it. (Frantz Fanon)”
Nuhaa Hendricks
Candidate Attorney
Nuhaa is a driven and dedicated legal professional holding an LLB degree from the University of the Western Cape, obtained in 2023.
Currently, she is a Candidate Attorney at the Legal Resources Centre in Cape Town. Her commitment to social justice fuels her belief in the transformative power of the law to address injustices.
Nuhaa's particular areas of interest and expertise encompass human rights law, civil law, and litigation. She has been recognized for her academic excellence and passion for her field as a recipient of the Joel Joffe Cannon Collins Scholarship in 2022.
Puleng Mosia Mbuwane
Communications Intern
A communication practitioner, that is recognised for her work as a published author by the SABC.
She holds two Cum Laude qualifications in International Communication and Integrated Communication from Tshwane University of Technology, with speciality in International Relations. She’s eulogised for academic excellence and being a benefactor of the TUT merit award bursary.
Puleng’s dedication extends to humanitarian efforts, where she uses communication for social justice advocacy within her community and beyond.
Saadiyah Kadwa
Attorney
Saadiyah is an attorney in the land programme. She is based in the Cape Town office.
She completed her LLB at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. From 2019-2020, she was a candidate attorney at the LRC. Saadiyah’ s area of focus includes the right of access to adequate housing as well as security of tenure.
“My hope for the future of South Africa is that our government at all levels begin to work for the people, that the actual interests of poor and marginalised people are furthered.”
Sandile Zwane
Grants Management Officer
Sandile is a grants management officer. In the past he has worked for a range of civil society organisations and tertiary education institutions, including the South African Reflect Network (SARN), the Centre for Education Rights and Transformation (CERT) and the Wits Health Consortium. His previous roles have included researcher, research assistant team leader and field manager.
“My hope for the future of South Africa is low crime, improved literacy at primary schools, no loadshedding and for all South Africans to have enough clean water.”
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Sandra Govender
Office Administrator
Sandra has been an Administrator of the Durban office since 2012.
“I believe that administration is the backbone of daily business operation, and a good manager makes it possible for other people to function efficiently.”
Shaatirah Baboo Hassim
Attorney
Shaatirah is an attorney and part of a mentorship program where she is a mentor for girl learners in the Riverlea area in Johannesburg as part of her service to communities.
“I am passionate about children’s rights and the need to ensure access to education for every child. I am committed to enhancing social justice for aggrieved individuals.”
Shaista Bhabha
Finance Officer
Shaista is a Finance Officer at the LRC.
She is an accountant with a passion for numbers and technology with many years of experience in the field. Throughout her career she has worked with both small businesses and large corporations.
She combines her financial expertise with a growing knowledge of cloud architecture while she pursues her certification as an AWS Solutions Architect.
“My goal is to provide accurate financial information; help the organisation make informed decisions; and contribute to its long-term success through sound financial management practices.”
Sheniece Linderboom
Attorney
Sheniece joined the LRC’s education team in 2021 and is currently based in the Durban office. She holds an LLB degree from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and was admitted as an attorney in 2012.
Her previous roles include heading up the Freedom of Expression Institute law clinic with a short stint as Acting Executive Director, as well as working for SECTION27’s education rights programme.
Sherylle Dass
Co-Lead Education Programme
Sherylle works in the Education Programme, and also drives the ‘agile’ strategy of the LRC.
Sherylle previous roles include managing attorney of Harris, Nupen, Molebatsi Inc, where she practiced Philanthropy Law, servicing various non-profit organisations. Prior to this Sherylle was a senior attorney at the Equal Education Law Centre and from 2007 to 2013 she managed the Refugee and Migrant Rights Programme in Durban at Lawyers for Human Rights.
She holds various positions on Boards of Non-Profit Organisations. She served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sonke Gender Justice and an executive committee member on the Board of Refugee Social Services.
Sindisiwe Shozi
Attorney
“I've always been passionate about helping those around me. I love the law and how it can be used as a powerful tool to fight for justice.”
Sipesihle Mguga
Co-Lead: Legacy Programme
Sipesihle is the co-lead of the legacy programme and is based in the Makhanda office.
She holds a BA in Film and Media Production from the University of Cape Town and an LLB from the University of South Africa, which she obtained while teaching English in South Korea. Sipesihle joined the LRC in February 2019. Her practice focuses on mainly land, education, and access to justice.
Prior to the LRC, she worked at the Rhodes University Law Clinic for three years as a candidate attorney and a junior attorney. From 1 July – 30 September 2021, she was Acting Magistrate at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development at the Grahamstown Magistrate’s Court.
Toney Leong
IT Systems Developer
Toney is currently responsible for customising an internationally recognised off-the-shelf software system to reflect LRC’s business processing requirements.
He is an information technology developer with experience ranging from the manufacturing sector, motor industry, insurance sector and banking.
Topsy Mackenzie
Payroll Officer
Topsy joined the LRC in January 1993 as a personal assistant for a semi blind candidate attorney, Webster Sekwati, who was serving his articles at the LRC. She was appointed to be his personal aid and assisted him in preparation for his attorney admission examinations.
Topsy has completed practical training and short courses in financial and administration management, payroll administration diploma, and practical bookkeeping and taxation courses.
In November 1993, she was appointed as the office assistant in the National Office. She applied for the position of office administrator in July 2000, and thereafter worked as the Librarian assistant in 2006. She started working as payroll administrator in January 2008.
Tumelo Machaba
Candidate Attorney
Tumelo is a Candidate Attorney in the Johannesburg office, working in the Education, Land and Legacy Programmes at the LRC.
She completed her LLB degree (with Distinction) from the University of Limpopo in 2022. She is currently completing an international exchange program with Unievangelica (Brazil) for human rights studies. She also completed a research project with University of Siena (Italy) on Global Social Justice.
“Helping people is one of my core values and that is why I chose to study law. Now, I'm able to use the law to help people with the simplest to the most complex of issues.”
Wilmien Wicomb
Co-lead: Land Programme
Wilmien is the co-lead of the land programme, based at the Cape Town office.
Wilmien has previously specialised in land reform, African customary law, and community governance systems, in particular as it relates to community rights to natural resources such as land, fishing, and other extractives.
She has been active in policy and law reform to further the democratisation of rural communities, ensuring the equality of customary communities and enforcing their rights to determine their own development paths. She has published on customary law, the right to development and free, prior, and informed consent in the African context, and the rights of women living under customary systems.
Yoemna Saint
Grants Management Officer and Programme Coordinator
Yoemna is the Programme Coordinator and Grants Management Officer in the Education Programme at the Legal Resources Centre.
Yoemna holds an Honours Degree in Adult Education and Training and is currently completing her master’s degree in education. Yoemna has extensive experience in grant monitoring and donor relations, programme coordination, organisational development, monitoring and evaluation.
“My passion for community development and adult education started 28 years ago and I have worked in the NGO sector since then. Capacity building, development of communities and institutional strengthening has been key in my practice, and I continue to believe that it plays an integral part of social change and social justice.”
Yanela Frans
Candidate Attorney
Yanela holds a BA Law and International Relations and an LLB from Wits.
She completed an internship at Lawyers For Human Rights and is also an Allan Gray Fellow.
Zahraa Motani
candidate attorney
Zahraa is a candidate attorney in the Johannesburg office, where she works in the Education, Land and Legacy Programmes.
Zahraa has completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Law with majors in Taxation and Accounting and went on to complete her Bachelor of Laws, with distinction at the University of Pretoria. She has previously occupied a student governance role as a judge on the Constitutional Tribunal of the University of Pretoria (Student Court). She previously worked at SECTION27 as a part time intern in the education programme.
Zahraa is a dynamic individual that is dedicated to advocating for equality, freedom, and a participatory democracy.
Zi Channing
IT Systems
Zi is currently working on creating an automated system to reflect LRC processes.
Her career path has combined dispute resolution knowledge together with implementing automated systems to improve the effectiveness of operations.
Her previous roles include Head of Case Management at the inception of the CCMA, secretariat duties in the Labour Market chamber of Nedlac, SARS HR special projects, BBBEE employee share ownership schemes for a private company, MEIBC project management and COO at Tokiso.
“In the future I would like all South Africans to be jointly accountable for supporting a constitutional democracy that aligns with genuine economic growth, fair access to clean water, electricity, medical care, education, transport, and the values of dignity and respect.”
Zulfa Mohammed
Office Administrator
Zulfa is an office administrator in the Cape Town office. She started her journey with the LRC in 2012 as a legal secretary, offering support services to the LRC’s Education Team. She has over 20 years of legal secretarial and administrative experience. For the past 3 years she has managed the Cape Town office as an office administrator.
“I believe that an office needs good managing and a team willing to work together to run efficiently.”
Our Board of Directors
Ashley Francis
Executive Finance Director of the University of Cape Town
In the past he has worked as chief financial executive at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (Pty) Ltd and was the co-founder and managing director of Biotech Fuels (Pty) Ltd.
Ashley has also worked as an independent consultant and was part of a turnaround team at Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape.
Christopher Stone
Professor of Practice of Public Integrity at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government
Christopher Stone
Chris Stone is a Professor of Practice of Public Integrity at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government
He is an expert in institutional strategy and public-sector reform globally, with a special focus on systems of justice. From 2012 to 2017 Chris served as president of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), helping to strengthen civil society as a force for political pluralism in more than a hundred countries worldwide.
Prior to joining OSF, he was the Guggenheim Professor of the Practice of Criminal Justice at the Harvard Kennedy School, where he led both the Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management and the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations.
Chris began his legal career in 1982 as a public defender in Washington, DC, and later helped found both the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem and the New York State Capital Defender Office. From 1994 through 2004, he served as president of the Vera Institute of Justice, an incubator of innovation for the justice sector, expanding the Institute’s work with government reformers in the UK, South Africa, Russia, Nigeria, India, China, Chile, and Brazil.
He is the recipient of an honorary OBE for his contributions to criminal justice reform in the United Kingdom.
Joy-Marie Lawrence
Joy-Marie Lawrence is a Lawyer, Businesswoman, Executive Integral Coach and Chartered Director
She has been a fellow of the Institute of Directors of South Africa since 2009. She is the founder and CEO of Boardvisory – a niche advisory firm specialising in Board-level engagements. Joy-Marie has been a trustee of the Legal Resources Centre since 2013.
She completed her legal articles at Webber Wentzel in 1998. Her corporate experience includes the Telecommunications sector (MTN Group), media and broadcasting (SA Broadcasting Corporation) and the IT sector (Business Connexion), with her last corporate role as group executive for EOH in Cape Town.
Her current directorships include non-executive director of WDB Investment Holdings, advisory board member of the UCT Graduate School of Business Advisory Board and non-executive director of TEKANO. She was previously one of the founding board members and subsequently the chair of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).
Justice Lex Mpati
Chancellor of Rhodes University
Justice Lex Mpati is currently the Chancellor of Rhodes University, his alma mater.
Lex Mpati joined the Legal Resources Centre (Makhanda) as in-house counsel in 1989. He served as a judge in the Eastern Cape High Court from 1997 to 2000. He was later appointed as a judge of appeal for the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa. He ascended to deputy president of the Supreme Court of Appeal and ultimately the president of the SCA from 2008 – 2017.
Lumka Mlambo
Fund principal at the SA SME Fund
Lumka Mlambo is currently a fund principal at the SA SME Fund, a fund of funds manager focusing on supporting SMEs in South Africa.
Previously she was with investment holding company Identity Capital Partners and prior to that was part of the investment banking team at JPMorgan, both in the London and South African offices.
Lumka has served on numerous private sector and non-profit boards of directors.
Marjorie Da Silva
executive director of the School of Insurance at the African Leadership University (ALU).
Marjorie Da Silva
Executive director of the School of Insurance at the African Leadership University (ALU)
Marjorie is the executive director of the School of Insurance at the African Leadership University (ALU).
She is a non-executive director of several companies including Bidvest Life Ltd., Rand Mutual Assurance, and the South African Mathematics Foundation.
Marjorie was a member of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries in London, UK for eight years and served as its president from 2017 – 2018.
Professor Michael Katz
Professor Michael Katz is a practicing attorney and chairman at Edward Nathan Sonnenberg (ENS) Africa.
Michael also teaches company law at Witwatersrand University. He has published numerous articles, chapters and papers on legal and fiscal topics and co-authored the Butterworths Company Law Precedents (four volumes) and South Africa’s contribution to the United Nations and Harvard University’s Corporate Law Tools Project. He is also a trustee of numerous trusts including the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, the Constitution Hill Trust, and the Constitutional Court Trust.
Mziwandile Ezra Davids
Chairman of Corporate/M&A at Bowmans
Ezra Davids is chairman of Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions at Bowmans specialising in mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and securities law.
Ezra is the most recent chairman of the Faculty Advisory Board of the Law School of the University of Cape Town. He is also a director of Freedom Under Law (a non-profit organisation dedicated to the promotion of the rule of law in Southern Africa), and a patron of the Student Sponsorship Programme (a non-profit organisation that places and enables academically talented, low income students to excel in South Africa’s best high schools).
Ezra was the first practising African lawyer to be featured on the front page of the American Lawyer.
Nersan Govender
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LEGAL RESOURCES CENTRE
Nersan’s core focus is building high performing and impactful organisations. He has spent the better part of his career developing organisations that are performance and impact driven to realise their goals and objectives.
He has also worked in organisations that required a turnaround strategy, embedding strong strategic, structural change and governance principles. These were achieved in his work at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and currently at the Legal Resources Centre (LRC), as well as other organisations in both voluntary and advisory capacities.
Thandi Orleyn
Chairman of the Legal Resources Centre
Thandi is a lawyer by profession and is one of the founders of Peotona Group Holdings. She has held the office of the National Director of both the Independent Mediation Service of SA (IMSSA) and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). She was also a senior partner and director at the commercial law firm Routledge Modise, now known as Hogan Lovell.
Thandi is involved in various community initiatives, directorships on boards and was a non-executive director of the South African Reserve Bank amongst others. While practising as an attorney at the LRC in the 1980/90’s she focused on litigation against the apartheid state.
“I remain committed to the idea that by holding individuals and institutions accountable we can build an empowered society in which the Constitutional rights of all who live in South Africa are upheld and the promise of the 1994 democratic transition can be realised.”
– Nersan Govender, Executive Director
Our Funders and Partners
Our Funders
We would like to express our profound gratitude for the individuals and families who make donations to the LRC.
Our Partners
Friends of LRC site: https://friendsofthelrc.org/
Our Patrons
Professor Harvey Dale
patron of the Legal Resources Centre
Professor Harvey Dale is a distinguished legal scholar and a dedicated advocate for social justice. He has a career that spans over four decades, Professor Dale has made immense contributions to the law field, particularly in the realm of public interest law and access to justice.
The renowned expert in international tax law, began examining the viability of creating a program that studied the legal issues affecting nonprofit organisations. He is also eulogised for his advisory roles for groups in South Africa, Russia, Mexico, Australia, China and the United Kingdom on his law speciality.
Professor Dale hails from a deep sense of commitment to community service, he pursued his education at Cornell University, and Havard Law School, where he excelled academically with a Juris Doctor-Cum Laude and further demonstrated interest in using the law as a tool for constructive change.
In every part of his career, he has held various positions, that includes serving as a faculty member at prestigious law schools and a practicing attorney with speciality in non-profit organisation and philanthropy law. His expertise in these areas has been instrumental in shaping legal frameworks that empowers the marginalised communities and promote equal access to legal resources.
Professor Dale’s commitment for social justice led him to become a patron of the Legal Resources Centre, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the LRC’s mission to provide legal assistance to the marginalised. His leadership and guidance helps the LRC to expand its reach and impact, ensuring that vulnerable populations have the representation they need to navigate the complexities of the legal system.
In addition to his professional achievements, Professor Dale is widely respected for his integrity, compassion and unwavering dedication to serving others. His indelible imprint on the legal landscape continues to inspire generations of legal luminaries and activists, urging them to harness their expertise for the betterment of society.
Sir Sydney Kentridge
patron of the Legal Resources Centre
Sir Sydney Kentridge is a luminary within the legal realm, he is renowned for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Armed with a profound sense of social responsibility, Sir Kentridge embarked on a legal odyssey that would shape South Africa’s legal landscape for generations to come.
He is a graduate of the University of Witwatersrand, Sydney Kentridge honed his legal prowess before being admitted to the bar in 1948. He championed the marginalised and oppressed, fearlessly representing clients facing persecution during the apartheid era. Sir Kentridge’s tireless advocacy earned him ubiquitous acclaim, that positions him as a stalwart defender of Human Rights.
As a patron of the Legal Resources Centre, his visionary leadership remains instrumental in advancing the LRC’s mission to provide legal aid to those in need, ensuring equitable access to justice for all South Africans. Over and above his contributions to the LRC, Sir Kentridge’s impact reverberates all around the legal profession. His mentorship successfully nurtured countless aspiring lawyers, while his efforts to shape the legal precedents have safeguarded the rights and freedoms of individuals across the nation.
To date Sir Sydney Kentridge’s legacy endures as a testament to the transformative power of the law. His unwavering integrity, boundless compassion and steadfast commitment to justice, continues to serve as an enduring inspiration to all who strive for a more just and equitable society.
Advisory Board Members
Judge Mahendra Chetty Ramasamy
patron of the Legal Resources Centre
Judge Mahendra Chetty is an esteemed member of the Legal Resources Centre’s advisory board and he is renowned for his exemplary career in the legal field. Born and raised in South Africa, Judge Chetty pursues his passion for justice and equality through law. With a distinguished academic background, he has acquired his law degree from a prestigious institution before embarking on a journey that is marked by dedication to upholding the rule of law.
Judge Chetty’s commitment to justice led him to serve in several capacities within the legal system. His acute intellect, unwavering integrity and profound understanding of the law propelled him through the ranks, eventually earning him the honourable position of a judge. Throughout his tenure on the bench, he has continually demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fairness and impartiality, earning in the process respect and admiration of colleagues and constituents alike.
In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Chetty has actively contributed to legal advocacy and reform efforts. His involvement with the Legal Resources Centre‘s advisory board underscores his dedication to advancing the cause of justice and promoting the rights of the disadvantaged communities. Whether presiding over cases or advocating for systemic change, Judge Chetty remains steadfast in his pursuit of a more just and equitable society.
Beyond his professional achievements, Judge Chetty is known for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving others. His impact extends far beyond the courtroom, as he continues to inspire future generations of legal professionals to uphold the highest ethical standards and work tirelessly towards a more just and inclusive society.
Judge Taswell Papier
patron of the Legal Resources Centre
Judge Taswell Papier is an esteemed legal professional with extensive experience in the field of law and justice. He is currently serving as an advisor for the Legal Resources Centre, where he brings a plethora of knowledge and expertise with his role.
Prior to his advisory position, Judge Papier held distinguished positions within the judiciary, that showcases his commitment to upholding the principles of fairness, equality and access to justice. His contributions have had a significant impact on shaping legal discourse and advancing the rights of individuals and marginalised communities.
Throughout his career, Judge Papier has demonstrated a profound dedication to serving the public interest and promoting social justice. His tireless advocacy for human rights and constitutional principles has earned him vast recognition and respect within and beyond the legal community.
Judge Taswell Papier’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law and his steady pursuit of justice makes him a valuable asset to the Legal Resources Centre, where he continues to contribute his expertise to advance legal rights and social equality.
Judge President Dunstan Mlambo
patron of the Legal Resources Centre
Judge President Dunstan Mlambo is a distinguished legal luminary known for his unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law. He has a stellar career spanning decades, furthermore he served with distinction in various capacities within the judiciary of South Africa. Judge President Mlambo’s keen legal acumen, accompanied with his steadfast dedication to upholding constitutional principles, has earned him vast respect in both national and international peripheries.
As a champion of human rights and equality, he is eulogised for his indelible mark on the legal landscape, which shapes jurisprudence and advances the cause of justice for all. In addition to his esteemed judicial role, he has actively contributed to the advancement of the legal scholarship and advocacy.
Judge President Mlambo, serves as an advisory member of the Legal Resources Centre where he plays a pivotal role in promoting access to justice and defending the rights of the marginalised. In the course of his illustrious career, Judge President Mlambo has presided over landmark cases that helps to shape legal precedent and safeguards the constitutional rights of South Africans. His leadership and expertise are instrumental in fostering a more equitable and just society, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration within the legal fraternity and beyond.