I am a human rights lawyer, writer, historian and promoter of democracy and constitutionalism.

My grandfather was a messenger for a law firm and my grandmother was a cook for a government hospital.  Through their hard work my dad was able to become a journalist.  I grew up in a home defined by politics, history, music and current events. My parents who both worked in media created conditions for me to confidently express my opinions. I chose to become a lawyer and it all started with my grandparent’s dream for each of to pursue our callings in service to our communities and country.

To know that my grandfather was a law firm messenger even though he was capable of higher office endows me with the responsibility to do my chosen work well. I am very much influenced by their outlook and how they lived always in community and in service of others.

I came of age during South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy. My political orientation has been largely shaped by Mandela’s presidency and legacy because I came of age during his era. It is a time in our history that has entrenched my beliefs in what we can achieve as a united people. I therefore am a believer in collective struggle, dialogue and action in pursuit of our higher ideals.

My journey into adulthood was a radically different one from that of earlier generations. It was marked by hope that changing perceptions would usher in a new and free society. However, South Africa today remains a country with huge potential but weighed down by persistent racism and inequality, violence, sexism and corruption, all legacies of a complicated history and also a result of our present day.

South Africa is grappling with how to define itself as its democracy matures and I very much want to be an active participant in building and strengthening of our constitutional democracy. We are living with results we do not want. We are sitting with unfinished conversations from our past. My purpose is to contribute to changing these results and to do the work that will bring us closer to finishing our unfinished business. That is why Including Society exists.

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