1974    Matric -  JG Meiring High School in the Cape.

1983    Lower Law Diploma – UNISA

1987    B. Iuris Degree – UNISA

1995    Higher Law Diploma - UNISA

            (Copies of qualifications available upon request)

n     I started on 1/12/1974 in the Department of Justice as a filing Clerk. My parents could not afford to pay for my studies and did I embark on the tedious road of studying through UNISA. I worked and studied my way through the ranks of Clerk, Prosecutor, Regional Court Prosecutor, Magistrate and Regional Magistrate. (I was appointed as Magistrate on 1/3/1986 and Regional Magistrate on 1/5/1998)

n     I ended my career as district court magistrate with consecutive one merit reports, an award that is bestowed on only a few and at that stage to only 1 other person in my region (The Western Cape).

n     Through the years, I have prosecuted in various types of serious prosecutions. Drug offences, prosecutions in terms of the Sea Fisheries Act and Nature Conservation Act, robbery, rape and murder were part of my daily tasks. My career as magistrate followed a similar pattern.

n     It is simply not possible to summarize all of my experiences. There are too many to mention. However, perhaps in closure it needs to be mentioned that I was also for many years on the executive committee of the Southern Transvaal Association of Public Servants and the Secretary for the Magistrates Association of the Western Cape.

Through out my career there were memorable moments. I am using this opportunity to name just a few of the more recent ones:

Chris Hani testified in my court, in the Kenilworth Church bombings bail application, shortly before his assassination. The impact that he as a gentleman has made on me can never completely be explained in words. His evidence was the direct reason why bail was granted. (Western Cape)

I testified before the Justice Portfolio Parliamentary Committee on the now commonly known bail legislation. I was for example asked by Parliamentarian Willie Hoffmeyer how I felt about the Constitutionality of the then proposed Bail legislation.  I answered that even if it is unconstitutional, it is still fair and just in a free and open democratic society. Today we all know that my answer was correct. I also fielded questions of Madam Ginwala and was questioned about the State’s right to appeal on sentence. My opinion was directly opposed to that of Attorney General Frank Khan, who felt that there was not really a need for such change in our law. The subsequent legislation was in line with my recommendation. (Western Cape)

I single handedly introduced the idea of participating management for magistrates in the Cape, Wynberg Court. I believe that that system was still in operation long after I have left and is indeed still in operation. I had the wonderful support of Chief Magistrate, Van Reenen, but the day when the system came into operation was for me one of the big moments in my life. We, as the magistrates of Wynberg, then collectively became involved in the management of Wynberg Court and collectively we took responsibility. It was also a wonderful opportunity for young magistrates to enhance their managerial skills. (Western Cape)

When I was appointed, as a Regional Magistrate in the new South Africa, on 1/5/1998, it was a dream coming true. But, I was even more proud when Judge Foxcroft remarked, in his judgment on appeal, in one of my test cases, as follows: “This is one of the best judgments that I have ever read, coming from a Regional Magistrate.” (Western Cape)

Memorable moments should be an ongoing occurrence and that is why it is so important not to become stagnant. We should all be constantly on the move.

I have compiled a practical guide on sentence in South Africa, Sentence Compiler software, an e-book called Smart Law as well as a court management program called: “CRM”. These products are available on the internet. I have already sold a large amount of copies to attorneys, prosecutors, magistrates and probation officers all over South Africa.

The following courses were attended through the years:

·        Prosecutors Course (1977)

·        Advanced Prosecutors Course (1979)

·        Magistrates Course (1988)

·        Regional Magistrates Course (1996)

·        Refresher Course for Regional Magistrates where the emphasize was placed on our new Constitution (2000)

·        Course on child abuse, children’s rights and children as witnesses (2002)

I am a keen member of ARMSA, the Association of Regional Magistrates of South Africa. I have served various terms, on various of the committees of the association.

My home language is Afrikaans. I also have a good command of the English language. A large portion of my daily communication with people is in English.

I recently have been involved in setting up a Rape Crisis Centre at Brakpan and more particularly in providing legal representation to victims at the Centre. I have the full support of the local police and attorneys who provide the service. I am currently involved in spreading the concept of legal representation for victims. I have raised the idea with The Honorable Minister Maduna, the Legal Aid Board and other support centres. It is a slow process, but I am hopeful that I will be successful. A complete document on a victim's right to legal representation is available upon request.

I play golf and am a member of Heidelberg Golf Club.

I have a keen interest in computers and created quite a few websites. At present I maintain my own website on which I also advertise my publications as mentioned above. I believe that the electronic media can and will play a huge role in the South African legal system.

My father is a retired Mayor and lives in Kraaifontein, Cape Town. My Father- in- law a retired farmer and lives in Ottosdal. Our 3 children are not school going anymore. My wife (Ancabe) is a practicing attorney who supports my goals fully.