Judge Kathleen Satchwell, Johannesburg High Court
Nominated by: The Black Sash, Wits Law Clinic, People Opposing Women Abuse, Advocate Marisa Mathebula, Advocate Zinhle Buthelezi and Attorney Ronald Bobroff.
First job: Bookkeeper at Coronation Potteries in Grahamstown and researcher for the Institute of Social & Economic Research.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: I worked for the marginalised and the oppressed in the Black Sash Advice Office in Grahamstown (as a volunteer member and then as a volunteer co-ordinator). As an attorney I provided support and legal services to the victims of pass laws and group areas legislation, detainees and accused charged with political offences and to political prisoners. I attempted to participate in the new dispensation and, inter alia, trained articled clerks to this end. I gave evidence to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission disclosing information and offering an analysis of the role of the entire legal apparatus in creating and upholding the systematic oppression of the colonial and apartheid era.
Also, as a judge, I have endeavoured to remember whom I serve, to make my court and the process therein as accessible as possible, to advance both the content and practice of law in accordance with the constitution.
I have actively participated as a member of the JSC judicial education sub-committee in organising orientation courses for newly appointed judges and in diversity training for more experienced judges.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? I closed my attorney's practice 13 years ago. I have held no business interests since that time. I am an investor in public companies and own property. I am a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund - there is no income attached thereto.
Judge Nigel Willis, Johannesburg High Court
Nominated by: The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town; senior advocate Nazeer Cassim.
First job: Executive trainee at First National Bank.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: As a judge, I have brought an independent mind to bear on all issues and conduct proceedings in a relaxed, expeditious and procedurally fair manner. I am proud to have been an active civil rights lawyer since the early 1980s to the early 1990s and to have played a leading role in labour law and in the development thereof.
I believe that without the foundations laid on the shop floor and in the workplace, our successful transition to democracy would not have been possible.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? I understand "office of profit" to mean a position that one holds from which one derives remuneration. I hold no such office (other than as a judge, of course). I resigned all directorships of private companies upon appointment as a judge.
Judge Yasmin Shehnaz Meer, Cape High Court
Nominated by: Land Claims Court Judge President Fikile Bam.
First job: Articled clerk.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: My contribution towards the creation of a human rights jurisprudence during 1983 and 1996 when I practised as a human rights/public interest lawyer at the Legal Resources Centre.
Thereafter I contributed as a judge to the development of a novel land jurisprudence post-1994 in the Land Claims Court, and the development of the common law in the high court, as is evidenced by my judgments.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Ntlupheko James Yekiso, Cape High Court
Nominated by: Advocate Peter William Makhambeni.
First job: Court interpreter.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: Fairness of trial in matters referred to the high court for consideration of appropriate punishment.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Leona Theron, KwaZulu-Natal High Court
Nominated by: Chair of the Centre for African Renaissance Studies Professor Shadrack Gutto, National Association of Democratic Lawyers.
First job: Candidate attorney.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: Prior to my appointment as a judge I was actively involved in the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and Advocates for Transformation.
Since my appointment, I have strived to be true to my oath of office. I am a founder member of international association of women judges (SA chapter) and I have been involved in creating an awareness of gender issues.
I have also been involved in judicial education in South Africa and delivered papers nationally and internationally.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No
Judge Dunstan Mlambo, Supreme Court of Appeal
Nominated by: Johannesburg High Court judges Ratha Mokgoatheng and Ramimaka Mathopo
First job: Candidate attorney
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa:
I devoted my practice of law towards the upliftment and protection of people on the ground and other marginalised members of society as a public interest lawyer and trade union lawyer. That background equipped me appropriately in my work as a judge in understanding each facet of South African socio-economic life and I believe that experience is apparent in the judgments I have delivered.
I continue to devote a substantial part of my time to advancing access to justice of vulnerable groups of society in this country and abroad.
During my term as chairperson of the Legal Aid Board I have been instrumental in the development of a reliable and accessible legal aid system in this country.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Willie Legoabe Seriti, Pretoria High Court
Nominated by: The Black Lawyers Association
First job: Partner at a law firm.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: As a member of the Black Lawyers Association, (also as co-chairperson of the Law Society of South Africa) I contributed to the law and pursuit of justice as borne out in the awards I received from the Gauteng Law Council and BLA.
I am still involved in the trial advocacy run by the BLA Legal Education Centre.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? Fabcos Trust - chairperson, Affin (Pty) Ltd - shareholder and director, Rhino Resort (Pty) Ltd - director, Bomolo Investments - director and shareholder, MSMM Inc - director and shareholder.
After my appointment as a judge I relinquished all positions and disposed of my shareholdings. I am still a trustee of the Tumelo Trust (family trust) which is not trading although it has one or two investments in banks and an insurance company. I receive no profit or income.
Judge President Thomas Reetsang Mogoeng, North West High Court
Nominated by: North West High Court judges Monica Leeuw, Ronald Hendricks and Samkelo Gura.
First job: Employed by the Bophuthatswana High Court.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: I believe that my most significant contribution has been through, among others, the five cases and a series of other projects and activities outlined below: (followed by 12 pages of cases and projects at the North West High Court).
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment?
No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? I have never held any office for profit since my appointment as a judge. I, however, think you need to know that I own 55 head of cattle.
Judge Ntsikelelo Poswa, Pretoria High Court
Nominated by: The Society of Advocates of Transkei, Bisho Society of Advocates, National Association of Democratic Lawyers, attorney Kaiser Khoza, Pretoria High Court Deputy Judge President Jerry Shongwe, Acting Judge Ronnie Boshielo and Judge Aubrey Ledwaba.
First job: Attorney.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: It is difficult to select a single contribution of mine as the most significant of all. I do, however, believe that my contribution to transformation qualifies as such. (Followed by two pages giving examples of transformation work).
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? Delayed judgments - if the circumstances I have previously set out, firstly, in writing, are not accepted as a good explanation. They include:
(a) My ill-health in the second year (2006) and the first four months in 2007.
(b) Non-accommodation for the lost period (a total of five months continuously off sick) and a number of days off sick (two to three days at a time).
(c) The fact that about 90 percent of cases are in Afrikaans - which makes my life in such a busy division unbearable.
(d) Difficulties I share with other judges who do not have the Afrikaans problem.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? Non-executive director of Legalwise. I divested myself, though, when I was appointed a judge of the High Court in October/November 2004.
Judge President Raymond Zondo, Labour Appeal Court
Nominated by: Senior advocate Nazeer Cassim and Advocates for Transformation
First job: Fellow at the Legal Resources Centre
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa:
The contribution I made to the protection of workers and trade unions through my work as an attorney in private practice, part of which is reflected in landmark cases that I argued or pursued as part of a legal team for trade unions and workers.
The contribution I made as a member of the ministerial task team appointed by the minister of labour in 1994 to draft a Labour Relations Bill for the then new democratic government.
I also made a contribution as the first chairman of the governing body of the CCMA together with others in laying a firm foundation for an effective CCMA and labour dispute resolution system.
The numerous judgments I have written which ensure the protection of workers without disregarding the interests of employers.
My contribution in the transformation of the Benches of the Labour Appeal Court and Labour Court.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment?
No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? For the duration of my service as a judge I have not held any other office for profit but I am a member of Rayzon Properties CC, a close corporation that owns one property in KZN. Rayzon Property CC does not trade or operate as a business.
Judge Robert Nugent, Supreme Court of Appeal
Nominated by: Former Constitutional Court Judge Johan Kriegler, University Dean of Law Professor PJ Schwikkard, Appeal Court Judge Azar Cachalia.
First job: Legal advisor to the Johannesburg City Council.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa:
No answer
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment?
No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit?
No.
Judge Eberhard Bertelsmann, Pretoria High Court
Nominated by: The Pretoria Bar Council and the National Forum of Advocates.
First job: Junior lecturer, Unisa.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: Performing my function as a judge to the best of my ability. Participating in the training of advocates, prosecutors, magistrates, judges as much as possible. Addressing the cause of restorative justice.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No. I was treated for addiction to Ativan (a tranquilliser) and alcohol in 1986 at the Elim Clinic in Kempton Park. I have remained involved in activities and have been a director of the clinic for 16 years. I participate in programmes to prevent drug and alcohol addiction. Some might regard this as embarrassing for the office - I do not.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Senior advocate Geoff Budlender, Cape Bar
Nominated by: Professor Raylene Keightly of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and the Black Sash.
First job: Articled clerk and professional assistant.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: My career has fallen into five periods. There is a common thread in those periods. Initially, I was providing legal support to people and communities who were asserting their rights through resisting apartheid. Thereafter I was helping marginalised or vulnerable people asserting the rights they had won under our democratic constitution.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? I have no private business interests.
Senior advocate Jeremy Gauntlett, Cape Bar
Nominated by: Sir Sydney Kentridge QC (advocate who represented former President Nelson Mandela and the family of slain activist Steve Biko) and former Cape High Court Judge President Gerald Friedman.
First job: Senior lecturer, Unisa
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: No answer.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Dennis Davis, Cape High Court
Nominated by: Former Education Minister Kader Asmal, Professor Raylene Keightly of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies and President of the Society of Law Teachers of Southern Africa Professor Evance Kalula.
First job: Legal advisor for Old Mutual
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: My three decades of teaching law and promoting a critical jurisprudence. Being judge president of the Competition Appeal Court - developing a new legal framework and a transformed court.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? Fine being a judge - No.
Judge Sisi Khampepe, Johannesburg High Court
Nominated by: Advocates for Transformation.
First job: Legal advisor for Cosatu.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: I have throughout my extensive and intimate involvement with organisations such as organised labour, hawkers' associations and other civic bodies, been instrumental in the relaxation of oppressive laws which affected the fundamental rights to dignity and advancement of human rights and economic freedoms of the majority of South Africans.
My participation in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a commissioner has contributed to the promotion of reconciliation and national unity, an essential prerequisite to sustain democracy.
My own participation as a woman in the judiciary has indubitably increased the confidence reposed by society towards the judiciary.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Chris Jafta, Supreme Court of Appeal
Nominated by: Appeal Court Judge Khayelihle Kenneth Mthiyane, Aids Law Project and the Legal Resources Centre.
First job: Interpreter.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: Firstly, teaching law at university, which enabled a number of former students to enter the legal profession.
Secondly, writing ground-breaking judgments which are quoted with approval by other courts and in major textbooks.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge-President John Hlophe, Cape High Court
Nominated by: Justice for Hlophe Alliance.
First job: Fellow at Legal Resources Centre.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: See attached CV.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? Oasis. I am no longer a trustee.
Interests and hobbies: Wine-making, farming, gardening, hunting and cooking. I like to watch sports such as athletics, soccer, rugby and boxing during my spare time.
Judge Malesela Frans Legodi, Pretoria High Court
Nominated by: Black Lawyers Association.
First job: Pushing trolleys (depending on tips) at the Bedfordview Pick n Pay.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: I hope to continue teaching and delivering inspiring papers. I hope to be able to continue writing and publishing books in pursuit of justice in South Africa.
I hope to be able to continue delivering and handing down judgments expeditiously.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Azar Cachalia, Supreme Court of Appeal
Nominated by: Johannesburg High Court Judge Moroa Tsoka, Appeal Court Judge Phillip Boruchowitz, Johannesburg High Court Judge Zukiswa Tshiqi, the Centre for Human Rights, Professor Raylene Keightly of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies, Open Society Foundation for South Africa and the Southern Africa Litigation Centre.
First job: Fellow at Legal Resources Centre.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: Much of my youth and adult life has been spent in pursuit of the eradication of apartheid, the promotion of social justice and now, as a judge, the transformation of our judiciary.
I hope that others regard my contribution as significant.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No
Judge Johan Froneman, Grahamstown High Court
Nominated by: University of Stellenbosch HF Oppenheimer Chain in Human Rights Law, Professor Sandra Liebenberg and Grahamstown High Court judges Daylan Chetty and Clive Plasket.
First job: Assistant lecturer, Unisa.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: It is really for others to assess whether I made any significant contribution, but on a personal level I regard my efforts to integrate the values of the constitution into everyday life and into the life of our law as something worthwhile? I am proud of my involvement in setting up labour courts under one of the first pieces of legislation of the new order, namely the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995.
In the Eastern Cape I hope that my colleagues and I have managed to create a better understanding between the judiciary and the provincial government of the significance of the rule of law and the separation of powers.
I am proud to be a member of a harmonious Bench in the Eastern Cape.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Franklyn Kroon, Grahamstown High Court
Nominated by: Grahamstown High Court Judges Jos Jones and Jeremy Pickering
First job: Prosecutor.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: The conscientious and expeditious discharge of my duties as a judge in accordance with the dictates of my oath of office.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Mohamed Jajbhay, Johannesburg High Court
Nominated by: The National Association of Democratic Lawyers and Advocates for Transformation.
First job: Advocate.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: Trying to weave the elements of equality, humanity and compassion within the fabric of our conduct and the formal structures of the law.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? No.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.
Judge Mandisa Maya, Supreme Court of Appeal
Nominated by: Cape High Court Judge Tandazwa Ndita, Advocate Nozuko Mjali, Port Elizabeth High Court Judge Nambitha Dambuza, the Black Lawyers Association, the South African Women Lawyers Association, the Aids Law Project, the Legal Resources Centre, the Walter Sisulu University Law School, Professor DS Koyana and Land Claims Court Judge President Fikile Bam.
First job: Clerk at a law firm.
Most significant contribution to the law and the pursuit of justice in South Africa: "I have written numerous judgments on wide-ranging aspects of the law over the last nine-and-a-half years which I believe have positively impacted on the development of South African law and to some extent have helped create a culture of constitutionality that extends dignity and equality to all members of society.
I'm committed to the values enshrined in our constitution, thus while I may have lacked experience having been elevated to the Bench at age 35, I brought youthful energy, enthusiasm and flexibility. And my experiences as a black woman with a rural background has given the institution a diversity of thought.
Any known circumstances which may cause embarrassment? I have been issued with speeding fines over the years. The transgressions are very regretted and the fines were paid.
Do you hold or have you ever held any office for profit? No.