Lawyering and Social Justice in the 21st century

On Friday the 26 July 2019 the Faculty of Commerce, Administration and Law under the department of Law hosted the Public lecture by eminent Justice Leona Theron. The lecture took place in the Arts auditorium. This gathering saw a huge attendance of the law students. The program included an opening address by UNIZULU’s Head of the Law Department Dr Kanagie Naidoo followed by a presentation from Justice Theron; and a question and answer session. Judge Theron urged the next generation of lawyers regarding the capability of undertaking the urgent and complex social justice challenges of our times. She emphasised the importance of engaging in the development of communities that students come from in order to alleviate poverty and foster a legacy of wealth.

It is evident that law is a calling for Justice Theron, who, became a first female judge at the age of 33 and the youngest.

Lecturing on “Lawyering and Social Justice in the 21^st century “Judge Theron urged the next generation of lawyers on the capability of undertaking urgent and complex social justice challenges of our times. She emphasised that students should not forget where they come from.   She was born and bred in KZN herself “I am very pleased to be here. I am a child of this province and I would like to see other children from this province getting opportunities that will unlock achievements we can all make our mark if we maximise the opportunities.” said Judge Theron.

In her speech she reminded students that the Chancellor of UNIZULU is a product of the University of Zululand and he is an illustrious alumnus. She mentioned that students are shouldering on giant therefore they have big shoes to follow and fill. Those are the shoes that you need to try and step into and also grow into. Those are the role models that you need to look up to.” said justice Theron.

She also alluded to the fact that lots of her colleagues throughout her life on the career on the bench, at the bar have come from this university. “I personally would like to see that part followed in a sense that more and more products of this university excel.”

“Make a difference in your community, there is a duty on you to give back in whatever form.

This public lecture provided a chance for the students to be inspired, advance their knowledge as well as stimulate their knowledge. The lecture concluded with a question and answer session.