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15 April 2025 | Story Tshepo Tsotetsi | Photo Supplied
Prof Tameshnie Deane
Prof Tameshnie Deane has been appointed an Acting Judge of the Free State High Court during the Faculty of Law’s milestone 80th anniversary.

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

Graduation ceremony awaited with great excitement
2011-06-22

Everything is running according to plan on the Bloemfontein Campus of our university for the graduation ceremony of Ms Oprah Winfrey, which is taking place in the Callie Human Centre today, 24 June 2011. 

The graduation ceremony, during which an Honorary Doctorate in Education will be conferred upon Ms Winfrey, promises to be something special. Measured against the smooth course of the preparations, the speed at which the tickets were obtained and the continuous interest amongst UFS staff and students, as well as members of the public, this promises to be a real 2011 highlight for all who are going to attend the event. 

Strict safety and security measures shall be enforced and therefore, ticket holders are requested to make sure that they arrive early on the Bloemfontein Campus. 

The UFS is aware of the fact that tickets are sold illegally at shopping centres in Bloemfontein. Computicket equipment shall be used on the premises tomorrow to ensure that only persons who have original tickets in their possession are admitted. People found to be in possession of forged tickets tomorrow shall be prosecuted. 

The doors of the Callie Human Centre shall open at 13:00 on Friday for ticket holders and shall be closed strictly at 14:00. For safety and security reasons, nobody shall be allowed to enter or leave the building after the doors were closed. 

Although the entrance gates to the Bloemfontein Campus shall not be closed, certain streets on the campus will be closed for some time today (23 June 2011) and the whole of Friday (24 June 2011). More information about this is available at www.ufs.ac.za 

Clear signs, as well as voluntary staff, shall guide parking visitors to their parking spaces. The volunteers were selected after staff of all three campuses offered their assistance for the day. 

Amongst the 4 500 guests attending the graduation ceremony are various well-known personalities and dignitaries, alumni, learners and other stakeholders of the university. Good reaction has also been received from the local, national and international media. 

The programme in the Callie Human Centre is as follows: 

13:00 Doors open
14:00 Doors close
14:30 Opening performances
15:30 Graduation ceremony
16:00 Ms. Winfrey’s speech and question and answer session with students
18:00 Programme ends.
 

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