The University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Law is proud to announce the appointment of Emeritus Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke as Honorary Professor in the Department of Jurisprudence from 1 January 2022.

“This appointment as Honorary Professor will honour Justice Moseneke’s extensive and singular contribution to the legal profession, the judiciary and the anti-apartheid struggle which gave rise to the current constitutional dispensation,” said Professor Joel Modiri, Head of the Department of Jurisprudence. “This appointment will also crown an illustrious professional career which he started in 1976 as a legal clerk, opening a black-owned law firm in 1978, becoming an advocate in 1983 and obtaining silk status in 1993.” Dr Moseneke would come to play a significant role in the drafting of South Africa’s constitutional texts and in running the country’s first democratic elections as deputy chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). After a short stint in business, Justice Moseneke joined the judiciary in 2001 to begin one of the most noteworthy intellectual and judicial careers in the history of South Africa.

“Furthermore, this appointment will enable Dr Moseneke’s full involvement in a number of key projects which promise to enhance the academic, intellectual and community engagement profile of the University, cementing our place as a leader in legal education in South Africa and beyond,” added Prof Modiri.

Emeritus Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke has been appointed Honorary Professor in the Department of Jurisprudence at the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Law from 1 January 2022.

Professor Schoeman, Dean of the Faculty of Law, said it is an honour to welcome the former Deputy Chief Justice Moseneke to the Faculty. “His extensive experience in the legal profession and especially on the Constitutional Court will be invaluable to staff and students alike, and his presence in the Faculty will be hugely inspiring – a presence of greatness and also of great humility. We are looking forward to learning from someone who embodies those qualities that take humanity forward and make this world a better place for all.”

The former deputy chief justice’s political and judicial life spans nearly six decades and encompasses his contribution to South Africa as a Pan-Africanist, anti-apartheid stalwart, struggle lawyer, humanitarian, author and deputy chief justice of the nation’s highest court, the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Throughout this long journey, Dr Moseneke has contributed to the making of South Africa’s Constitution and unfolding human rights jurisprudence. Following his retirement in May 2016, he has continued to serve society in a number of significant public roles, reflecting his intellectual leadership as a champion of equality, dignity, justice, freedom and the rule of law. In 2018, he was awarded an honorary doctorate (LLD honoris causa) by the University of Pretoria in recognition of his contribution to the legal profession and the judiciary.

“The Faculty of Law is very proud and honoured to be associated with Emeritus Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke and his appointment is surely going to be beneficial for our students, staff and the broader community,” said Professor Charles Maimela, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law. “As a Faculty we will have an opportunity to learn, engage and debate first hand with the legal and academic giant himself.

“His appointment will take the jurisprudential discourse which the Department of Jurisprudence and the broader Faculty is championing to greater heights. We look forward to a rewarding and exciting working relationship with Emeritus Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke from 2022 and beyond,” added Prof Maimela.

Even after retirement from the judiciary, Dr Moseneke has continued to be engaged in the public life of South Africa through two best-selling books, several public lectures and visiting professorships. He is also the recipient of numerous honorary degrees across the world and is a member of the Order of Luthuli in Gold, our country’s highest national award.

The University of Pretoria and Faculty of Law congratulates Professor Moseneke on this well-deserved and historic appointment.