It was already late in the evening when justice Yvonne Mokgoro took to the podium as the keynote speaker at the Wits final-year law dinner in November 2013. The room was buzzing with excitement, everyone eager to take to the dance floor.

Most of what happened that night has faded from my memory but what has stuck was Mokgoro’s simple advice to us: “Be present.” Speaking with her classic calm and graceful tone, Mokgoro — who died on May 9 — reminded us that, as we began our legal careers the following year, we would be the most junior people at whatever tables we sat...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.