Justice Bernard Ngoepe: A journey of humble beginnings that led to the bench

In the final episode of this first season of Legal Luminaries, retired Gauteng judge president and former Tax Ombud Bernard Ngoepe shares his story of growing up in a rural village in Polokwane to serving as a Judge for 18 years.

From his early days tending sheep and cattle – having grown up in a rural village in Polokwane – to a stellar record for his participation in and contributions to human rights and the rule of law in South Africa and abroad, Justice Ngoepe is a pillar of pragmatism and wisdom.

He tells renowned journalist and author Iman Rappetti that one of his biggest life lessons has been finding compassion for his oppressors and using the lessons learned from the past to prevent making the same mistakes in the future.

Justice Ngoepe also shares his insights on the need for a predictable judiciary and the need for law reform in certain areas. He aptly notes that for any justice system to work, the laws must serve its people.