Rhodes University honours Justice Lex Mpati with law building naming
Image: Christelle du Toit
Rhodes University's Faculty of Law will officially name its iconic law building in honour of one of its most distinguished alumni and the revered outgoing Chancellor, Justice Lex Mpati.
This forms part of its 120th anniversary, marking more than a century of academic excellence and profound contributions to the South African legal landscape. As a testament to this enduring legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the nation's jurisprudence, it will honour Justice Lex Mpati by naming the faculty after him.
'This occasion signifies a commitment to recognising visionary leaders and inspiring future generations who will uphold the rule of law across South Africa,' Judge Gerald Bloem, Council Chairperson of Rhodes University said.
He added that Justice Mpati's life and career embody the core values our institution promotes, which includes integrity, excellence, and social justice. 'His jurisprudence consistently demonstrates a deep commitment to constitutional values, like equality and human dignity,' said Judge Bloem.
Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela said: 'Justice Mpati was a father figure to me and someone who was a source of wisdom. He is an integrity personified – a quintessential gentleman and the embodiment of humility.'
Justice Mpati was the first African to be Chancellor of Rhodes University.
Dean of Law, Professor Michelle Karels, meanwhile said coming from a background where he experienced the injustices of apartheid firsthand, Justice Mpati's rise to prominence represents the transformation the university seeks to inspire in their students – using law as a tool for positive social change.
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'Justice Mpati's leadership has demonstrated his commitment to accountability, transparency, and ethical governance – principles we aim to instill in our future legal professionals,' he said.
The naming ceremony, set to take place on August 26 at the Rhodes University Law Building in Makhanda, marks a pivotal moment in the 120-year celebrations and will convene an esteemed assembly of South Africa's most prominent legal figures, judicial leaders, and valued alumni.
It is said that this gathering serves not only to celebrate Justice Mpati's extraordinary legacy but also to ensure that the Lex Mpati name will stand as a daily reminder of what can be achieved through dedication to legal principles, commitment to education, and unwavering integrity.
Justice Mpati was born in Durban in 1949 and he obtained his BA in 1982 and LLB in 1984 from Rhodes University. He rose from a legal clerk to becoming President of the Supreme Court of Appeal. He was a former Judge of the Eastern Cape Division and later President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
He was also an acting judge in the Constitutional Court in 2007. Beyond his judicial work, Justice Mpati chaired the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of impropriety at the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).
He served as Chancellor of Rhodes University for 13 years, bridging the world of academic legal education and judicial practice. His lectures, mentorship, and guidance have inspired generations of law students, many of whom have served in various capacities in our legal system. He has consistently advocated for access to justice and legal education for all South Africans.
zelda.venter@inl.co.za
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