JacPod Legal Luminaries

Legal Luminaries

Step into the fascinating world of Legal Luminaries; a captivating podcast series brought to you by Juta and Jacaranda FM. Hosted by television personality and author, Iman Rappetti, this JacPod Original takes you on a journey through the lives and experiences of renowned legal giants who have played a pivotal role in shaping South African law.

Whether you're a legal enthusiast, a student of law, or simply curious about the minds behind South African democracy and human rights, Legal Luminaries is a must-listen.
Occasionally English South Africa History · Government
9 Episodes

Justice Raymond Zondo: Navigating State Capture and Judicial rule

Retired Chief Justice Raymond Zondo stands as a cornerstone of South Africa’s post-apartheid judiciary. In this episode, he reflects on his journey—from his early days in legal practice to his leadership in the judiciary, including his pivotal role in the landmark State Capture Commission. Justice Zondo explores what he considers…
7 Apr 29 min

Justice Dhaya Pillay: From Apartheid activism to judicial pioneer

Born into a politically active household in apartheid-era Durban, Justice Dhaya Pillay’s path to the judiciary was never just about law—it was about justice. In this episode of Legal Luminaries, she takes us on a deeply personal journey from student protests to the courtroom, sharing how activism shaped her legal…
26 Mar 43 min

Justice Kate O'Regan: Shaping justice and equality in South Africa

Constitutional Court Judge Kate O'Regan shares her journey from growing up in apartheid-era South Africa to becoming a champion of human rights, labour law, and land rights. Justice O'Regan reflects on her early exposure to social injustices and her transition from journalism to law. She discusses her work with trade…
20 Mar 41 min

Justice Albie Sachs: A life of justice, resilience, and soft vengeance

Justice Albie Sachs’ life reads more like a fable than a conventional biography—a tale of courage, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in justice. In this opening episode of season 2 of Legal Luminaries, the former Constitutional Court judge takes us through his extraordinary journey, from his early activism in the…
12 Mar 36 min

Justice Zak Yacoob: A journey of transformation and justice

In this episode of Legal Luminaries, anti-apartheid activist and former Constitutional Court judge, Zak Yacoob, shares his personal and professional life story. From experiencing life as a blind person – having lost his sight at 16 months as a result of meningitis – to seeing and overcoming his own prejudices…
28 Aug 2023 57 min

Empowering Change: The life and legal legacy of Judge Navi Pillay

“I went from office to office, mostly white law firms and mostly got the same answer. 'We cannot give you a job because we cannot have white secretaries taking instructions from a black person'…” – Judge Navi Pillay In this episode of Legal Luminaries, Judge Navanethem "Navi" Pillay reflects on…
21 Aug 2023 48 min