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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

UFS satisfied with proceedings of EFF National People’s Assembly
2014-12-17

The University of the Free State (UFS) is happy about another successful hosting of a political party; this time, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). In the recent past (December 2012), the UFS hosted the African National Congress (ANC) with the same energy, support and selfless commitment as with the EFF.

“The fact that the EFF paid the required amount for the use of the university’s venues in full before the congress commenced, bears testimony to this. For the past two months, the UFS’s working team worked closely with the EFF’s logistics team to thoroughly plan for a smooth and successful National People’s Assembly,” says Dr Choice Makhetha, Acting Rector of the UFS.

The hard work and commitment invested in the preparation process paid off. The 1st EFF National People’s Assembly, held 13-16 December 2014 on the Bloemfontein Campus, was a huge success.

“It is with great excitement that I can report that all premises of the UFS have been left the way they were found on arrival; no damage to any property and no littering.”

“Thank you to the UFS staff members who worked selflessly on a daily basis: the cleaning staff who started very early in the morning and went home very late at night; garden staff who made sure that the grounds were exceptionally clean every day and the flowers bright; student volunteers who worked shifts of over 24 hours on the first day, making sure that EFF delegates were checked into residences; staff members at the Visitors Centre who were ready to share information about the university and provide support to EFF delegates; staff members at the Odeion (which served as media centre) who ensured that the national and international media houses were comfortable and that the media conferences ran smoothly; safety and security personnel who provided protection for all the people on campus and also ensuring safety of the buildings; the health and safety officers supported by our partners from ER24 emergency services; and the South African Police Services (SAPS). To the electricians, the plumbers and other colleagues from Physical Resources who assisted with any task, even beyond the call of duty, we say thank you. For all the support and extra miles travelled – we appreciate your passion for the work you do; you are all very important to us at the UFS.”

“As the University of the Free State, we would like to express our gratitude to the leadership of the EFF, the delegates, guests and partners, as well as the media houses. The level of discipline among delegates was impressive. The UFS staff members appreciate the level of professionalism and respect shown by the EFF leadership and delegates. All the best for the future!,” says Dr Makhetha.

The UFS will continue to host political parties, interest groups, associations and more in their diversity, provided there is availability of venues, events are held outside the academic period and payment is received well ahead of hosting. As a public institution of higher learning, the university has a responsibility to promote democracy and help deepen the principles thereof. A university is a perfect platform for differing views and diverse political formations to find expression.

“To the UFS community, thank you for the trust you showed in the working team as it prepared to host the EFF’s 1st National People’s Assembly. To Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the Free State Province – we appreciate the support. As the University of the Free State, we know we can always count on you!”, says Dr Makhetha.  

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