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Retired Judge Siraj Desai
- Retired judge Sirajudien Desai has been appointed Defender of Legal Services in accordance with article 47 of the Law on Legal Practice.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that Desai has been appointed for a seven-year term, effective December 16.
- Ramaphosa has empowered Desai to investigate complaints, alleged mismanagement within the scope of the act and actions that may affect the integrity of the legal profession, among other things.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed retired judge Sirajudien (Siraj) Desai as Defender of Legal Services in accordance with article 47 of the Law on Legal Practice.
Ramaphosa has empowered Desai to investigate complaints, alleged mismanagement within the scope of the act and actions that may affect the legal integrity of the profession, among other things.
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Desai has been appointed for a seven-year term, effective December 16.
Acting Presidential Spokesperson Tyrone Seale said that after discussions with Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola, Ramaphosa appointed Desai to promote and safeguard the integrity of the legal profession in the country.
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“Judge Desai has dedicated most of his life to serving the nation as a judge and I am confident that he will take the legal profession to new heights by ensuring that practitioners meet the ethical standards required in a legal system that serves to all South Africans with justice and dignity within the rule of law, “Ramaphosa said.
Lamola has welcomed Desai’s appointment, saying that the retired judge “is one of the best legal minds this country has produced.”
“The president could not have appointed a more qualified, experienced and appropriate jurist than Judge Desai. Having practiced as a lawyer and defender and a cherry in addition to having served as a distinguished judge in our constitutional democracy.
“He understands the complexities and challenges of both branches of the profession. We look forward to working with him and the entire profession in our quest to improve access to justice for our people,” Lamola said.
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