The SAJEI was created to promote the independence, impartiality, dignity, accessibility and effectiveness of the courts through continuing judicial education. Its Council is chaired by the Chief Justice of the country.
Prof Govindjee was elected by his fellow Law Deans nationally to serve on the Council.
“I feel honoured to have the opportunity to serve the judiciary in a small way and assist in curriculum planning and development for current and future judicial officers.
“Ultimately, this appointment will be of benefit to my law colleagues and Nelson Mandela University students,” said Prof Govindjee.
The South African Judicial Education Institute Act, 2008 (Act 14 of 2008) highlights the functions of the Institute, which include entry-level training and education for aspirant judicial officers and assistance to foreign judicial institutions where appropriate, and determines the composition of its Council.
Apart from the Chief Justice, the SAJEI Council also comprises a ministerial appointee, various senior judges and magistrates (including Nelson Mandela University’s former Honorary Doctorate recipient, Justice Mandisa Maya, the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal), legal practitioner representatives and two legal academics designated by the South African Law Deans' Association (SALDA).