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Johannesburg is the pulse of South Africa in more ways than one, according to Constitutional Court judge Yvonne Mokgoro.
Yvonne Mokgoro, Constitutional Court judge
JOHANNESBURG is a true reflection of what South Africa is, says Constitutional Court judge Yvonne Mokgoro.
If something happens in the country, it happens in Joburg, she says. In
addition, the city demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of South
Africa, and it's here where you find the answers to issues, Mokgoro
believes.
She has lived in the city for 10 years, since her appointment
to the court in 1994, and finds that "there's never a dull moment". She
goes to theatre and says she particularly enjoys "African Footprint",
and to movies and museums like the Apartheid Museum. When she has
visitors she books them on a tour of Soweto.
She reckons that Sowetans, like other Joburgers, are
innovative. "They excel in ideas, there are so many creative people
here, and innovation is encouraged." The result is that Soweto is
opening up to tourists and B&Bs in the township are growing.
"People with talent are drawn to Joburg, and that enriches what we have here," she says.
Mokgoro was born in Kimberley and studied law at the University
of the North West, but also attended the University of Pennsylvania.
She started work in the former homeland of Bopthuthatswana, as public
prosecutor in the Mmabatho Magistrate's Court.
In 1984 she was appointed lecturer at the University of the
North West, and soon rose to the position of associate professor. In
1992 she moved to the University of the Western Cape as associate
professor, from where she moved to the Centre for Constitutional
Analysis at the Human Sciences Research Council, serving as specialist
researcher of human rights.
Mokgoro has presented papers at local and international
conferences and has written extensively on legal matters, in particular
on sociological jurisprudence, human rights and customary law and what
it means for women and children. She has also acted as an advisor to
non-governmental and community-based organisations and initiatives.
Another thing Mokgoro likes about Joburg is that "everything is here, things are available".
She adds: "Johannesburg compares favourably with other vibrant cities, and, this is what keeps you on your toes."
Contrary to popular perception, she believes "crime is not as
bad as people make out". She says she doesn't come across it, and that
people overplay it.
Retirement is not far off, and although she has a house in
Kimberley, it seems doubtful that she'll go back there to live. Her
four children are settled here, and, like most Joburgers, she obviously
enjoys being kept on her toes.
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