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 career and forged her determination to challenge systemic inequality.

Justice Pillay reflects on the pivotal moments that influenced her path, from the launch of the Industrial Law Journal to her work with trade unions and the Centre for Applied Legal Studies. She discusses landmark cases on whistleblowing and disability rights, revealing the weight of dissenting judgments and the moral complexities of the law.

She also delves into the evolution of South Africa’s judiciary, the challenges of transformation, and the reforms still needed within the Judicial Services Commission. Thought-provoking and inspiring, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, justice, and the enduring fight for human rights.

00:00 Introduction to Legal Luminaries
00:50 Early life and influences of Justice Pillay
03:40 Navigating University and early career
05:57 Pioneering legal work and labour rights
08:50 Trailblazing in the Judiciary
16:12 Notable cases and impact
22:10 Challenges and reflections
31:30 The Judicial Services Commission experience
37:47 High-profile cases and public scrutiny
42:54 Conclusion and final thoughts