Three distinguished Faculty of Law members retired at the end of May 2023. Professor Anne Louw (Private Law), Professor Bernard Bekink (Public Law), and Professor Pieter Carstens (Public Law).

All three professors have made invaluable contributions to the legal academy and the Faculty of Law (UP Law) through their exemplary teaching, mentorship, and student guidance. Collectively, the retirees devoted many years to legal education and the legal profession, shaping student experiences and contributing to the Faculty of Law’s mission.

In her remarks, Professor Elsabe Schoeman, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, thanked the retired faculty members for their presence at UP Law. ‘We take leave of three colleagues who have been at UP Law for many years and who have made valuable and significant contributions to teaching and learning, research and faculty life,’ she added.

‘Professors Louw, Bekink, and Carstens taught several generations of students and were universally respected for their knowledge of their subject areas, as well as how they shared this knowledge with students. Their love of their subject areas and insight gained through years of toiling in the vineyard of academia inspired many students and they were amongst the most popular lecturers. They found the perfect balance between high standards and being respected by students—something that can only be achieved when you are a true expert in your field. On the research front, they advanced their subject fields, always being at the cutting edge of research and ploughing their research back into their teaching. They were always happy to engage in academic discussions with colleagues and enjoyed doing so,’ concluded Professor Schoeman.

As scholars, teachers, and colleagues, they have all made an enormous impact on our UP Law community. Here we highlight their careers as we wish them well in their next endeavours.

Professor Pieter Carstens

Department of Public Law

Professor Carstens has served as the Head of the Department of Public Law for several years and is a renowned professor of criminal and medical law. He is an attorney for the South African High Court and an extraordinary professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine at UP.

Professor Bernard Bekink

Department of Public Law

Professor Bekink is also a practicing attorney of the South African High Court with over 20 years of experience. In 2012, he was elected chair of the International Bar Association’s Public Law Committee. Professor Bekink has witnessed and spoken at several national and international conferences, and he is frequently involved in training and education initiatives.

Professor Anne Louw

Private Law

Professor Louw has taught a variety of subjects in the Department of Private Law. She is a national authority on family law and has been frequently cited by courts and other authors.

Please join us in congratulating Professor Anne Louw, Professor Bernard Bekink, and Professor Pieter Carstens for their years of service.