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Inventory for AG3298 
Collection Index:LEGAL RESOURCES CENTRE Oral History Project
Collection Name:LEGAL RESOURCES CENTRE Oral History Project
AG3298 Legal Resources Centre Oral History Project   
    
 Copyright 2012, Historical Papers, The Library, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg   
    
    
 The development of the finding aid, archival resources and webpages for the Legal Resources Centre Oral History Project were funded through a generous grant from the Atlantic Philanthropies, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. Mac Arthur Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.   
    
 Creator: Southern Africa Legal Services Foundation for the Legal Resources Trust   
 Title: Legal Resources Centre Oral History Project   
 Dates: 2006-2009   
 Extent: 201 transcripts and related recordings   
    
 Collection arranged and described by Deborah Wilson 2010-2012   
    
 History of the Legal Resources Centre (LRC)Oral History Project   
 The LRC Oral History Project was initiated in 2006, by the Southern Africa Legal Services Foundation (SALS) for the Legal Resources Trust, the body responsible for the assets and policy of the Legal Resources Centre. The project, funded by the Atlantic Philanthropies, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. Mac Arthur Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, collected a record of the early years of the LRC, which was established in 1979.   
 This was done through interviews with a wide range of stakeholders including legal practitioners, practising in and out of the LRC fold, other staff, associates and Clients. Interviewers include journalist Ms. Hunter-Gault and Dr. Patel, an oral historian.   
 Interviewees include Justice Arthur Chaskalson, Geoff Budlender, Sir Sidney Kentridge, Justice Albie Sachs and Archbishop Desmond Mpilo Tutu among many others. A total of 200 people were interviewed.   
 Justice Albie Sachs' interview includes reflections on the cases taken to the Constitutional Court and Archbishop Tutu speaks about his perceptions in his role as Patron. Dr. Patel made a serious attempt to include fellows, women, and long-term administrative staff and candidate attorneys who clerked at the LRC and to interview members of associated legal organizations. She also conducted interviews of South Africans who were visiting or had moved to the United States and with Americans who had served on SALSs Board of Directors or had a long association with the LRC. Ms. Hunter-Gault videotaped interviews of Geoff Budlender and Justice Arthur Chaskalson in South Africa.   
    
 The Legal Resources Centre   
 The LRC is a non-profit organisation that established itself during the apartheid era as a champion in supporting the rights of those who were oppressed by an unjust legal system and oppressive government. After the establishment of a democratic government in 1994, the LRC mandate extended to enforce the rights established in the new Constitution and Bill of Rights; especially where it affected women, children, AIDS/HIV sufferers, other minorities, land rights and education.   
 In addition, many legal practitioners in and previously from the LRC have been involved in the development of the new Consitution and the Bill of Rights, the identification and repealing of discriminatory laws, and the development of legislative bodies and practices within internationally acceptable legal standards.   
    
 Scope and contents   
 The collection consists of 201 interviews recorded as digital audio recordings and transcripts. The dates of the material range from 2006 to 2010. These dates refer to the recordings and the transcribing of the recordings. The roles of the interviewees are wide-ranging, including people who were not employed by the LRC. The roles are recorded as part of the description. Content of the interviews reflect the history of the development of the LRC and the cases and causes that were involved.   
    
 Arrangement   
 The arrangement is alphabetical according to surname. Some by first name (where the surname was not initially listed) and the surname added in brackets. The names are entered as title, first name and surname.   
    
 Related material   
 Collections of LRC papers held in the Historical Papers repository:   
 LEGAL RESOURCES CENTRE, Cape Town 1979-2002 (AG3199)   
 LEGAL RESOURCES CENTRE, Johannesburg 1981-2001 (AG3006)   
    
 Digital recordings   
 The digital recordings of the interviews can be accessed at the Reading Room of the Historical Papers Research Archive.   
    
 Restricted access   
 Some interviewees have stipulated that their transcripts of their interviews are not to be published on-line. Access to these have restrictions.   
 "Unavailable at time of publication" - The transcript is undergoing an administrative process and may yet be published. (14 May 2012)   
 "Embargoed" - The transcript is not available to researchers. Some have release dates at the death of the interviewee or in the future. (14 May 2012)   
    
 Preferred citation   
 [Identification of Item on finding aid including no, name of item, author/source (if described on finding aid)], The Legal Resources Centre Oral History Project, Historical Papers, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.   
    
 Copyright notice   
 Copyright in all original writings or works of whatever nature will remain vested with the creator of that original work. Individuals using these materials are responsible for conforming with copyright law.   
    
    
 CLASSIFICATION   
    
 Interviewee, Position, Year (Length of interview)   
 A   
1 Charles Abrahams, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:51:47). Temporarily embargoed.   
2 Barry Adams, Former attorney, 2008 (01:11:49)   
3 Cathy Albertyn, Associated, 2008 (00:34:41)   
4 Angela Andrews, Attorney - Cape Town, 2008 (01:27:58). Removed from public access until 1 September 2015 on instruction from the Southern Africa Legal Services Foundation.   
    
 B   
5 Ajax Baholo, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:47:54)   
6 Trevor Bailey (x2), Former attorney, 2008 (02:47:58)   
7 Judge Fikile Bam, Former Regional Director -PE, 2007 (01:29:55)   
8 Clinton Bamberger, Former SALS Board Member, 2007   
9 Paul Benjamin, Associated at Cheadle, Thompson and Haysom, 2008 (00:59:04)   
10 Urmilla Bhoola, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2008 (01:20:38 )   
11 Anthea Billy, Researcher LRC/Cape Town, 2008 (01:09:02)   
12 Lynette Bios, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:28:26)   
13 George Bizos (x3), Chief Advocate - LRC, 2007-2008 (04:24:03)   
14 Gerald Bloem, Former attorney, 2008 (01:23:42)   
15 Judge Lee Bozalek, Former Regional Director Cape Town LRT Board member, 2007 (01:39:15)   
16 Tim Bruinders, Former fellow, 2008 (01:38:57)   
17 Geoff Budlender, Former National Director, 2007 (02:10:52)   
    
 C   
18 Mr. Cabadiya, Client, 2008 (00:52:23)   
19 Judge Azhar Cachalia, Former fellow, 2007 (01:34:34)   
20 Yunus Cajee, Associated - assisted LRC in the field, 2008 (01:06:21)   
21 Justice Edwin Cameron, Associated at Cheadle, Thompson and Haysom, 2008 (00:28:37). Embargoed until death, or 2021.   
22 Bill Carmichael, SALS Board Member, 2007   
23 Maggie Carolisen, Admin, 2008 (00:58:25)   
24 Mbali Cele, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:28:36)   
25 Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson (x2), Founder of LRC and LRT Board member, 2007-2008 (03:32:24 )   
26 Mahendra Chetty (x2), Regional Director - Durban, 2007-2008 (02:28:16 ). Withdrawn, May 2014.   
27 Daphne Chili, Former fellow, 2008 (00:31:53)   
28 Aninka Classens, Associated, 2008 (01:11:49)   
29 Reuben Clark Sr and Reuben III, SALS Board Member/s, 2007   
30 Peter Connell, SALS President, 2008 (02:39:39)   
    
 D   
31 Greg Daniels, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:40:19). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until death.   
32 Reynaud Daniels, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:06:18)   
33 Naomi Davids, Admin, 2008 (00:27:05)   
34 Judge Dennis Davis, Associated at Cheadle, Thompson and Haysom, 2008 (00:42-58)   
35 Cedric de Beer, Associated, 2007 (01:08:51)   
36 Carol de Cerf, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:35:42). Withdrawn, August 2014.   
37 Sushila Devar, Former Candidate Attorney; Attorney now at LRC -Johannesburg, 2008 (00:56:59). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until death.   
38 Alan Dodson, Former attorney, 2008 (01:16:17)   
39 Louise du Plessis, Former attorney -Pretoria, 2008 (01:12:16)   
40 John Dugard (x2), Associated -CALS, 2008 (03:18:58)   
41 Sheena Duncan, Associated -Black Sash, 2007 (01:15:18). Not available at the time of her death in 2010.   
    
 E   
42 Lionel Egypt, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:49:38)   
43 Mark Euijen, Former Regional Director - Grahamstown, 2008 (00:59:24)   
    
 F   
44 Naseema Fakir, Attorney -Johannesburg, 2008 (01:06:52)   
45 Chantel Fortuin (x2), Former Regional Director -Cape Town, 2007-2008 (01:45:02). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until death.   
46 Judge Ellem Francis (x2), Former fellow, 2008 (03:13:16)   
 A correction to the interview was submitted by Judge Ellem Francis in 2019, clarifying that on page 26 the sentence "And I still remember being called by a Dr. Fick who was also involved in the Ennerdale community." should have said "Dr. Moosa Peer" and not "Dr. Fick".   
47 Alec Freund, Former attorney, 2008 (01:09:58)   
    
 G   
48 Shamima Gabie, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:50:56)   
49 Odette Geldenhuys, Former Regional Director - Johannesburg, 2008 (01:23:38)   
50 Durkje Gilfillan (x2), Attorney - Former Pretoria and now Johannesburg and Former Land Commissioner, 2008 (02:59:31)   
51 Gladys, Client, 2008 (00:15:51)   
52 Ms. Goba Interview, Client , 2008 (00:09:57)   
53 Lily Goldblatt, Affiliated legal aid clinic, 2008 (01:08:51)   
54 Jack Greenberg, Associated -Human Rights law, 2007   
55 Elizabeth Gumede, Client, 2008 (00:19:32)   
    
 H   
56 Bongi Hadebe, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:24:23)   
57 Imraan Haffejee, Former fellow, 2007 (01:53:29)   
58 Ncunyiswa Hans, Admin, 2008 (00:40:07)   
59 Peter Harris, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2007 (01:09:27)   
60 Moray Hathorn (x2), Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2007-2008 (01:53:11)   
61 Peter Hathorn, Former attorney, 2008 (01:00:15)   
62 Fink Haysom (x2/3), Associated at Cheadle, Thompson and Haysom, 2008 (01:48:20)   
63 Paula Howell, Former attorney -Pretoria, 2008 (01:56:18)   
    
 J   
64 Reagan Jacobus (x2), Former fellow, 2008 (01:46:47)   
65 Ismail Jamie, Former fellow, 2008 (01:10:21)   
66 Janet (x3), National Director, 2008 (03:09:57)   
67 Joel Joffe, LAT Board Member, 2007   
    
 K   
68 Steve Kahanovitz (x3), Attorney - Cape Town; Former National Director, 2007 (02:51:40)   
69 Snowy Kambule, Client , 2009 (00:41:18)   
70 Fayeeza Kathree, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2007 (01:41:07). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until death.   
71 Shaista Kazee, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:49:27)   
72 Felicia Kentridge (x3), Founder of LRC and LRT Board member, 2006   
73 Sydney Kentridge, Patron of LRC, 2006   
74 William Kerfoot (x2), Attorney - Cape Town, 2007-2008 (02:14:50)   
75 Jamie Kilbreth, Former SALS Board Member/President, 2007   
76 Jody Kollapen, LRT Board member, 2008 (01:18:05)   
77 Hendrik Kotze, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:49:58)   
78 Judge Johan Kriegler, Former LRT Board member, 2007 (01:39:31). Embargoed until death.   
79 Glaudin Kruger, Associated, 2007 (00:53:30). Embargoed until death or 2030.   
80 Denis Kuny, Associated, 2008 (02:18:08)   
    
 L   
81 Fatima Laher, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2008 (01:23:37)   
82 Ntau Letebele, Client, 2008 (01:10:59)   
83 Sandy Liebenberg, Client and former candidate attorney, 2008 (00:23:11)   
84 Richard Lyster, Former Regional Director - Durban, 2007 (01:39:25). Not made available.   
    
 M   
85 Chris Mabelane, Client, 2008 (00:25:32)   
86 Ntheri Magoai, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:37:09)   
87 Shaida Mahomed, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:30:12)   
88 Tiny Mankge, Client, 2008 (00:24:33)   
89 Faith Maqubela Mandiwana, Black Lawyer's Association, 2008 (00:01:56)   
90 Gilbert Marcus, Associated at Cheadle, Thompson and Haysom, 2008 (03:08:12). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until death.   
91 Sheldon Margardie, Former attorney at LRC -Durban/Johannesburg, 2008 (01:41:48). Withdrawn from online access, 2 May 2018.   
92 Margie Marshall, SALS Board Member, 2008 (01:10:33). Embargoed until death.   
93 Happy Masondo, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:17:52)   
94 Refilwe Mathabane, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:38:02)   
95 Bernard Matheson, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:36:11)   
96 Charlene May, Former Candidate Attorney; now attorney Cape Town, 2008 (00:33:26)   
97 Achmat Mayet (x2), Former Regional Director - Johannesburg, 2007 (02:57:32)   
98 Nolitha Mazwai, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:36:59)   
99 Thami Mbatha, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2008 (00:54:43)   
100 Zanele Mbuyisa, Associated, 2008 (00:39:06). Embargoed until death or 2036.   
101 Gay McDougal, Former SALS Board Member, 2008 (02:30:59). Not made available.   
102 Topsy McKenzie, Admin, 2008 (00:49:32)   
103 Sheila Mclean, SALS Board Member, 2008 (01:36:39)   
104 Nzo Mdladhla, Former attorney, 2007 (01:54:58)   
105 Professor Fatima Meer, Associated; Centre for Race Relations, 2008 (00:26:57)   
106 Judge Shenaaz Meer, Former Regional Director Cape Town LRT Board member, 2007-2008 (00:55:41). Embargoed until death.   
107 Mrs. Melitafa and daughter, Clients, 2008 (00:34:18)   
108 Wallace Mgoqi, Former attorney -Cape Town, 2007 (01:37:18)   
109 Nathi Mjenxane, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:55:30)   
110 Mandla Mkatshwa, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:43:26)   
111 Sibongile Mkhabela (X2), Former founder of advice centre and now on LRT board, 2008 (02:15:13)   
112 Beauty Mkhize, Client, 2008 (00:21:51)   
113 Judge Dunstan Mlambo, LRT Board member, 2007 (01:03:00)   
114 Gugu Mncwabe, Admin, 2008 (00:44:11)   
115 Lavery Modise, Former fellow, 2008 (01:13:17)   
116 Rusty Mogagabe, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:22:38)   
117 Constance Mogorosi, Receptionist, 2008 (00:49:13)   
118 Ashraf Mohamed, Former fellow; Associated at Cheadle, Thompson and Haysom, 2008 (01:47:56). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until death or 2035.   
119 Matthews Mojapelo, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:21:13)   
120 Tumi Mokoka, Admin, 2008 (00:22:22)   
121 Josephine Mokwebo, Paralegal, 2008 (01:07:37)   
122 Judge Edwin Molahleli, Former fellow, 2008 (02:23:16)   
123 Glen Moss, Associated, 2008 (01:34:37)   
124 Cathy Mote, Admin, 2008 (00:43:00)   
125 Richard Moultrie, Former attorney, 2008 (01:20:33)   
126 Precilla Moyo, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:58:09)   
127 Judge Lex Mpati, Former attorney -Grahamstown and board member LRT, 2007 (02:30:31)   
128 Bethuel Mtshali, Paralegal, 2008 (00:48:61)   
129 Patric Mtshaulana, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2007 (02:13:39). Embargoed until death.   
130 Nthini Mtshizana, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:33:37)   
131 John Mulaudzi, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:21:56)   
    
 N   
132 Judge Mohamed Navsa (x2), Former Fellow and now on LRT board, 2007 (02:35:14). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until death.   
133 Mrs. Ncamile, Client, 2008 (00:15:24)   
134 Kgaogelo Nchaupe, Candidate attorney, 2008 (01:06:06)   
135 Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Former Candidate Attorney; Director CLU -Johannesburg, 2007 (01:58:38)   
136 Judge Chris Nicholson, Founder -LRC Durban office ; Former Regional Director, 2007 (01:12:37). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until 2020.   
137 Shadrack Nkutha, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:21:49)   
138 Charles Nupen, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2007 (01:35:35)   
139 Joe Nxusani Interview, Former fellow, 2008 (01:56:53)   
    
 O   
140 Justice Kate ORegan, Former attorney, 2008 (00:59:19)   
141 Thandi Orleyn, Former Fellow and now on LRT board, 2007 (01:48:10)   
    
 P   
142 Cecilie Palmer, Former admin, 2008 (00:59:48). Not made available.   
143 Ron Paschke, Former attorney -Cape Town, 2008 (01:11:42)   
144 John Payton, Formerly of SALS (New York, Washington), 2012. The transcript had not been approved by John Payton at the time of his death in 2012.   
145 Celeste Penn, Candidate attorney, 2008 (00:28:52)   
146 Moses Phooko, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:22:48)   
147 Jeremy Pickering, Former Regional Director - Grahamstown, 2007 (02:02:49)   
148 Kobus Pienaar (x3), Regional Director - Cape Town, 2007-2008 (03:27:09). Embargoed until 2035 (25 years after his death in 2011).   
149 Beverley Pillay, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:19:43)   
150 Charles Pillay, Former Regional Director - Pretoria, 2008 (01:35:36)   
151 Kameshnee Pillay, Former attorney at CLU -Johannesburg, 2007 (01:08:01). Not made available.   
152 Clive Plasket, Former Regional Director - Grahamstown, 2008 (01:59:53)   
153 Mpueleng Pooe, Former fellow, 2008 (01:26:30)   
154 Rufus Poswa, Paralegal, 2008 (01:04:48)   
155 Taryn Powys, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:28:33)   
156 Paul Pretorius, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2007 (01:41:12)   
157 JP Purshotam, Attorney - Durban, 2007 (01:42:45)   
    
 R   
158 Stephen Ralekwe, Former attorney, 2008 (01:09:14)   
159 Jim Robertson, Former SALS Board Member/President, 2007   
160 Johan Roos, Former Regional Director - Grahamstown, 2008 (01:11:07)   
161 Richard Rosenthal, LRT Board member, 2007 (02:13:56)   
162 Peter Rutsch, Attorney - Durban, 2008 (01:07:25)   
163 Beulah Rollnick, Friend and Paralegal Volunteer -LRC, 2008 (01:30:80). Permanently removed on instruction from the Southern Africa Legal Services Foundation.   
    
 S   
164 Justice Albie Sachs (x3), Friend of the LRC and former Constitutional Court judge, 2008 (04:55:35)   
165 Judge Vincent Saldanha (x2), Former National Director, 2007-2008 (03:10:43). Not made available.   
166 Seeham Samaai, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:54:01)   
167 Sharita Samuel, Attorney - Durban, 2008 (01:34:57)   
168 Kate Savage, Former fellow, 2007 (01:31:22). Embargoed until further instruction.   
169 Webster Sekwati, Former fellow, 2008 (00:38:38)   
170 Robyn Sealey, Former SALS Administrative Director, 2009 (01:15:55)   
171 Brian Sephton, Former attorney -Grahamstown, 2008 (02:07:58)   
172 Sarah Sephton, Regional Director - Grahamstown, 2007 (01:11:42). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until 2018.   
173 Mr. Seremula, Client, 2008 (00:44:13)   
174 Bongamusa Sibiya, Candidate attorney, 2008 (00:54:40)   
175 Henk Smit (x2), Attorney - Cape Town, 2007-2008 (01:43:13)   
176 Vesta Smith, Former Receptionist, 2007 (01:07:04). Not made available.   
177 Nomfundo Somande, Admin, 2008 (00:27:17)   
178 Zeenat Sujee, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:26:41)   
179 Judge Ivor Swartzman, Associated, 2008 (01:17:04)   
    
 T   
180 Diane Terblanche, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:02:46)   
181 Judy Thomson, Former SALS Board Member, 2008 (01:08:52)   
182 Mosh Thulare, Former fellow, 2008 (00:19:32)   
183 Karel Tip, Former attorney at LRC -Johannesburg, 2007 (02:18:30)   
184 Pansy Tlakula, 2008 (01:00:23)   
185 Wim Trengove, Former Director of CLU - Johannesburg, 2007 (01:09:19)   
186 Nomali Tshabalala, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (01:00:42)   
187 Desmond Tutu, Patron of LRC, 2008 (00:48:09)   
    
 V   
188 Hanif Vally, Former Regional Director -Pretoria, 2008 (01:09:46)   
189 Johan van der Vyver, Associated-Human Rights law, 2009   
190 Howard Varney, Former attorney, 2008 (01:49:18)   
191 Catrin Verloren van Themaat, Former librarian -Johannesburg, 1008 (00:49:25)   
192 Jane Vilakazi, Client, 2008 (00:13:20)   
193 Adrian Vorster, Former attorney -Pretoria, 2008 (01:22:08)   
    
 W   
194 Matthew Walton (x2), Former attorney - Cape Town, 2008 (02:03:30)   
195 Esm Wardell, Administrator, 2008 (00:45:26)   
196 Ilse Wilson, Fomer librarian -Johannesburg, 2008 (01:29:52). Partially embargoed (edited transcript) until 2015.   
197 Tom Winslow, Former Development Director, 2008 (01:27:06)   
198 Benita Witcher, Former candidate attorney, 2008 (00:45:56)   
199 Ingrid Wlotzka, Former librarian -Pretoria, 2008 (00:48:53)   
200 Ricardo Wyngaard, Former Candidate Attorney, 2008 (00:49:44)   
    
 Z   
201 Mzwanele Zulu, Client, 2008 (00:27:47)