She was one of the six lawyers chosen nationwide by Robben Island prisoners to represent their demand for release in the year 1991.
She was one of the six lawyers chosen nationwide by Robben Island prisoners to represent their demand for release in the year 1991.
Almost 20 years later, her battle against social injustice ensues with the same fervor and zeal. Justice Kathleen Satchwell began her ascent to greatness at Rhodes University, and was elected as President of the university’s Student Representative Council in 1972.
Having studied towards a BA (Hons) in Anthropology and African Languages, she leaned towards fighting for human rights, and started right here in Grahamstown.
As a member of the Black Sash, an anti-apartheid group established and run by women, she coordinated their Advice Office in Grahamstown from 1975 to 1978 and spearheaded a project supporting detainees from prisons in the Eastern Cape.
After returning to Johannesburg in 1976, she continued to channel her professional efforts against appalling apartheid injustices.
Her involvement in several significant political trials developed her career as a renowned human rights attorney, especially during the 70s and 80s.
She reaped the fruits of her dedication and commitment serving in civil, criminal,tax and Labour Appeal courts when she became the first woman to be appointed to the High Court of South Africa in 1996 as the Judge of Transvaal Provincial Division.
In recognition of her contribution to her field and to disadvantaged communities in South Africa, she has been made a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and is associated with several notable NGOs such as People Avoiding Women Abuse (powa) and organisations like South African Institute of Race Relations.
Satchwell’s highly commendable efforts to fight for human rights and her remarkable philanthropic efforts are indeed humbling and awe-inspiring, not just to Law graduates but to all of society.
