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Prof Tameshnie Deane of UFS Law appointed Acting Judge of High Court

15 April 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi | Photo Supplied

Prof Tameshnie Deane, Vice-Dean: Research, Postgraduate Studies and Internationalisation in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS), has been appointed as an Acting Judge of the Free State High Court. Her appointment, which runs from 14 April to 30 May 2025, marks a significant moment for the faculty, and for the university’s broader academic and judicial community.

This is not Prof Deane’s first judicial appointment. Since 2019, she has served as an Acting Judge in various High Court divisions across South Africa, an experience that has shaped her legal thinking and affirmed her position as a respected voice in both academia and the courtroom.

“This appointment is an extraordinary milestone, both personally and professionally,” she said. “These appointments signify the recognition of my expertise and contributions to the legal field and academia over the years. Serving as an Acting Judge is a profound honour that reflects the trust placed in my ability to uphold justice, engage critically with complex legal matters, and contribute meaningfully to society.”

Bridging theory and the bench

Prof Deane is deeply committed to the idea that legal education and legal practice are not separate paths, but two sides of the same coin. Her work as a judge, she believes, enhances her ability to shape future legal minds, while her academic background brings fresh perspective to the courtroom.

“Serving as an Acting Judge offers invaluable insights into the practical application of legal principles, enriching my research and enabling me to mentor postgraduate students with a stronger emphasis on the real-world implications of their studies,” she said.

“Additionally, this experience deepens my understanding of comparative legal systems, which aligns perfectly with my focus on fostering internationalisation. On a broader professional level, it strengthens my ability to drive impactful scholarship and innovation, while advancing the university’s mission of academic excellence and global engagement.”

She added: “My dual grounding in academia and the legal profession equips me with a multidimensional perspective. From academia, I bring a deep commitment to critical thinking, analytical rigour, and intellectual curiosity, which can enhance the depth and breadth of judicial reasoning. From the legal field, I offer pragmatic insights and an unwavering dedication to justice.”

Institutional pride in a milestone year

The timing of the appointment is also significant. As the UFS Faculty of Law celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, Prof Deane’s appointment offers a moment to reflect on the faculty’s role in producing legal professionals who not only understand the law but actively shape its application.

“This moment highlights the enduring legacy of excellence, leadership, and innovation that the faculty has cultivated over 80 years,” she said. “It sends a powerful message to students and young academics: that dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to both intellectual and ethical standards can pave the way to significant achievements.”

Prof Serges Kamga, Dean of the Faculty of Law, echoed this sentiment, saying of Prof Deane’s appointment: “It illustrates our faculty’s commitment to producing legal professionals who actively influence and strengthen judicial practices. It bridges academic scholarship with judicial application, demonstrating our faculty’s dedication to shaping South Africa’s legal landscape and enhancing its national and international reputation.”

A message to young legal minds

Prof Deane believes the appointment sends a powerful message, especially to students and early-career academics. “Preparation for such a role requires a meticulous approach – both professionally and personally,” she said. “Professionally, it involves staying current with legal developments, understanding procedural rules, and immersing oneself in the dynamics of the court and the types of cases that may arise.”

“Personally, it demands resilience, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to justice. However, sometimes opportunities like this are also shaped by a bit of luck – being in the right place at the right time, or meeting the right people who recognise your potential. Such moments serve as a reminder to remain open to possibilities and to always put one’s best foot forward, as you never know what doors may open.”

When asked about the types of cases she hopes to preside over, Prof Deane said her focus is on approaching every matter with diligence and fairness.

“As cases are assigned to us, my focus is not on selecting specific legal issues, but rather on approaching every matter with the utmost diligence and impartiality,” she said. “Each case, regardless of its nature, carries the potential to contribute to the development of law and have a significant impact on the lives of those involved. My aim is to engage deeply with every case, ensuring that decisions are both fair and informed, while appreciating the broader implications they may have for legal precedent and societal progress.”

News Archive

Workplace discrimination and unfair practices explored in new book

2017-09-13

Dr Denine Smit
Photo: Supplied

Two law scholars, Dr Denine Smit and Dr Damian Viviers, from the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently launched a book titled Vulnerable Employees, which was inspired by their interest in researching, creating awareness and providing a legal exposition in relation to employees who are vulnerable and experience prejudice and dignity violations in the workplace. These include workplace bullying, appearance-based discrimination, those who are gender fluid or have mental-health conditions.
“Dr Viviers, who is also a former student of mine, and I, have been working together for years and share a common understanding in relation to our various topics of interest. We often share the same train of thought. This is how we came to work together to produce this book,” said Dr Smit.

Research focused on employee challenges in the workplace
The book expands on the field of knowledge regarding certain categories of employees who, as a consequence of various mutable, immutable and semi-immutable characteristics, as well as behavioural experiences, are rendered vulnerable in their employment relationships. The book draws on various social, psychological and other empirical considerations, as well as comparative legal research from foreign and international law, in order to expand on the legal position under the South African legal framework governing these conditions. While the book first and foremost constitutes a compendium of research to be used for this purpose, it also serves as a practical guide for all legal practitioners, human resources managers, other labour stakeholders and the judiciary.

Book draws strength in other academic fields
Vulnerable Employees was launched on 28 July 2017 at the UFS library, to an audience of academics and students, with a panel discussion made up of the authors and two other panellists. One of the panellists was Dr Katinka Botha, a leading psychiatrist in the Free State who has a wealth of experience in this field. “Her selection as a panellist was motivated by the various significant inter-disciplinary considerations and intersections between psychology, psychiatry and law, contained in the book,” said Dr Smit.
“Dr Botha’s expertise was invaluable in shedding light on mental-health considerations during the panel discussion.”
Mr Lesley Mokgoro, the other panellist, is a leading labour law practitioner, as well as director and head of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group at Phatshoane Henney Attorneys. “His years of experience working with all role players in the employment domain, as well as his extensive legal knowledge and expertise, made him uniquely qualified to serve on the panel and deliver an opinion of the practical and academic value of the book,” said Dr Smit.

Workplace policies key to securing employee rights
There are a number of growing trends in the workplace that could shape the practice of labour law or workplace policies. Dr Smit said the need for employers to regulate workplace culture, particularly in relation to bullying, harassment and unfair discrimination, in line with the South African legal framework, was a fundamental need in all workplaces. Effective workplace policies may be used to clearly outline the relevant “dos and don’ts” to employees, as well as the procedures and processes that may be followed in order to address such conduct. Workplace policies serve to advance legal certainty and efficiency, since the rights and obligations of all role players are clearly demarcated, or should be, in terms of a well-drafted and considered policy.
The book is one of several publications produced by Dr Smit in collaboration with Dr Viviers on the topic of workplace discrimination and the law. The two scholars are working on another book to be published at the end of 2017.

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