05 February 2025
We are thrilled to announce that the board has welcomed Hendrik Schmidt as its new director.
Hendrik is a highly accomplished legal professional with extensive expertise spanning law, politics, and academia. His impressive academic background includes a PhD in Mineral Law from the University of Cape Town (2023), along with several other notable qualifications. These include a Master of Laws (LLM) from Rand Afrikaans University, a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Labour Law from the University of Johannesburg, and an Honours degree in Economics from the University of the Western Cape.
We are confident that Hendrik's vast experience and multidisciplinary knowledge will greatly enhance our board's leadership and vision.
Professionally, Hendrik has had a prolific career. He is currently a practicing advocate and member of the National Bar Council of South Africa (NBCSA) since 2021. In addition to his legal practice, he serves as a lecturer at Varsity College, a position he has held since 2000. Hendrik’s expertise extends to public service, where he served as a Member of Parliament from 1999 to 2019, with specific responsibilities as spokesperson for various portfolios including Justice and Correctional Services, Defence, and Mineral Resources.
His career also includes notable judicial and prosecutorial roles. Hendrik was a member of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from 2009 to 2019 and held significant positions within the Department of Justice, including Senior State Advocate at the Witwatersrand Local Division of the High Court. He began his legal career as a public prosecutor in Gauteng, where he held several positions, including Clerk of the Court.
A dedicated professional, Hendrik also served in the South African Defence Force (SADF) from 1985 to 1986, where he completed an officer’s course and served as a lieutenant in the I Parachute Battalion.
Hendrik is an active member of the Society of Advocates, the National Bar Council of SA, and the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), Western Cape. His career reflects a unique blend of legal expertise, political experience, and commitment to public service.
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