Deputy Chairperson of the National Forum on the Legal Profession, Max Boqwana, has announced the first cohort of the Legal Practice Council.
The council, which will now regulate the advocates and the attorneys, replaces the four statutory provincial law societies which have to date fulfilled the dual purpose of regulating and representing attorneys.
Boqwana announced the successful candidates at a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday.
The newly announced council comprises attorneys and advocates.
Serving as part of the attorneys are: Kathleen Hlaleleni Matlo-Dlepu, Noxolo Patience Maduba, Nolitha Jali, Trudie Hayley Nichols, Lutendo Benedict Sigogo, Kisten Krish Govender, Manahar Daya, Janine Kim Myburgh, Jan Stemmet and Patrick Miles Carter.
The six advocates that will form part of the council are: Anthea Platt, Harshila Kooverjie, Ismail Jamie, Vuyani Ngalwana, Grace Goedhart and Greg Harper.
The announcement follows the first elections of the Legal Practice Council held in terms of Regulation 2 under the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014, which closed on the 3rd October 2018.
A total of 78 attorneys were nominated, while 50 advocates were nominated. Of the 78 nominated attorneys, three withdrew their nomination. One advocate also withdrew their nomination.
“The votes are final but in terms of the Act, certain people don’t have to go through the voting process. Those people include the Minister, who will nominate three of his representatives that will be elected to this council.
“The universities, the Fidelity Fund, the Legal Aid Board also form part of the group that don’t have to go through the elections process. These elections related exclusively to the practising attorneys and advocates,” said Boqwana.
Once all submissions have been made, the Justice Minister is expected to convene the first sitting of the council to chart the way forward. – SAnews.gov.za
