Two new judges for Northern Cape High Court
TWO JUDGES were inaugurated in the Northern Cape High Court yesterday following the retirement of Judge Casper Johannes Olivier.
Olivier stated that after serving for 40 years in litigation, he was now looking forward to spending quality time with his family.
Northern Cape High Court Judge President Pule Tlaletsi inaugurated Judge Lawrence Lever and Judge Albert Sibongile Nxumalo as judges of the Northern Cape High Court bench.
He stated that Olivier, who was born in Pretoria, grew up in Kimberley, where he attended Diamantveld Laerskool and Diamantveld Hoërskool.
“He studied at Stellenbosch University. He worked as an ambulance assistant upon his return to Kimberley and started as a clerk at the Department of Justice in 1974. He became an articled clerk at Duncan and Rothman Attorneys in 1980 and was admitted as an advocate on June 30, 1981. He became a prosecutor in 1989 and later left to work in the Office of the Attorney-General. He practised as an advocate in 1992 and served as the secretary of the local bar in 1996.”
Tlaletsi said that Olivier was permanently appointed to the Northern Cape High Court bench in 2003, where 21 of his judgments were published.
“He exercised immense jurisprudence and dedication to his oath of office. He was always prepared and punctual and paid attention to detail. He was strict in his judgments and treated all his colleagues equally with respect. He was a role-model to many and kept us in stitches in the tea room with his experiences and anecdotes.
“It is always a pleasure to be in his company. He will be remembered for having a sharp mind and providing solid leadership qualities. He acted as the Northern Cape High Court Judge President and served with distinction. He was a faithful and humble servant.”
Tlaletsi added that Lever obtained his BA (LLB) degree from Rhodes University before being admitted to the Johannesburg bar in 1988.
“He became an advocate of the High Court in Botswana in 1994. He lectured at the University of the North West and worked as a Member of Parliament as a delegate to the National Council of Provinces. He realised that he was not meant for politics and returned to doing what he loved.
“He served as a member of Lawyers for Human Rights and appeared for women of the Black Sash who were detained in the North West for staging protests.”
Tlaletsi believed that Lever’s experience and forensic skills would add value to the court.
He stated that Nxumalo was born on December 7, 1970 and he matriculated from St Boniface High School in Kimberley in 1986.
“He was detained in Hopetown in 1986 at the age of 16 years for his involvement with student politics. He was a member of the Galeshewe Student Movement, the UDM and ANC and was the president of the student representative council of Thabane Secondary School and former NEC member of Sasco.”
Tlaletsi indicated that Nxumalo underwent military training in Botswana and Zambia.
“He matriculated in Nigeria and completed his Honours in law in 1997. He was admitted as an advocate and joined the Johannesburg bar in 2006. He became a member of the barrister of advocates.”
He added that Nxumalo would contribute towards the transformation of the judiciary.
