EMALAHLENI – Human rights lawyer Jonas Ben (JB) Sibanyoni has marked 42 years since his admission as an attorney of the then Supreme Court on 10 July 1984, using the milestone to encourage young legal practitioners to serve with integrity, remain connected to their communities and use the law to uphold human dignity.
His message is rooted in a career spanning more than five decades in public service.
Sibanyoni began his legal career in 1974 as a clerk and interpreter at the Witbank Magistrate's Court before completing his articles. Barred by the Group Areas Act from opening a legal practice between 1982 and 1984, he worked as a radio announcer, producer and DJ.
After obtaining a Baccalaureus Procurationis degree from the University of Zululand in 1981, he opened his legal practice in Bronkhorstspruit in 1985. Between 1993 and 1995, he lectured at Vista University in Mamelodi, where he also managed the Legal Aid Clinic. Over the following 11 years, he specialised in land claims and the rights of farm workers and farm dwellers. In 1995, he was granted the right of appearance in the High Court.
His public service career extended beyond private practice. In 1995, he was appointed Human Resource Manager in the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in the Presidency. He later served as National Coordinator of the National Institute for Public Law and the Administration of Representation (NIPLAR) from 1996 to 1998, a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Amnesty Committee from 1998 to 2001, and as an ANC Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2014.
Today, Sibanyoni is a director and partner at Maluleke Seriti Makume Matlala Inc in Pretoria. He has served as Commissioner of the Small Claims Court in Ekangala since 2004 and has been a part-time Commissioner at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) since 2017.
The milestone attracted tributes from members of the judiciary and the legal fraternity.
Thulani Mabena of the Witbank Justice Centre praised Sibanyoni's "integrity, professionalism, wisdom and unwavering commitment to the rule of law", saying his selfless service continues to inspire those working in the justice sector.
Cape High Court Judge Vincent Saldanha said:
"Congratulations JB, a career served with utmost professional commitment to each and every client over the decades, and most importantly with integrity in upholding the values of the legal profession and our Constitution. Respect and Salute!"
Johannesburg High Court Judge Gcina Malindi added:
"Siyakuhalalisela JB! Forty-two years of service with integrity, professionalism and diligence, not only as an attorney but also as a representative of the people in the National Assembly."
Pretoria High Court Judge President Aubrey Ledwaba said:
"When you served at the JSC, you ensured that fit and proper judges are appointed. Your career will motivate newcomers that it's possible to serve with integrity for so long."
Receiving the tributes, Sibanyoni said the achievement reflected the people who had supported him throughout his career.
"Forty-two years on the roll is about the clients who trusted me, the colleagues who walked with me, and the Constitution we swore to uphold. From Witbank Magistrate's Court to Parliament and the TRC, my work has always been about giving voice to the voiceless – farm workers, land claimants and ordinary people seeking justice."
He encouraged young legal practitioners to remain committed to serving society.
"To young attorneys, let integrity guide you. Stay close to the people. Use the law to restore dignity. I thank my family, peers, the Bench and the Justice Centre. The work continues."
