Masters of the Bench

Full Title: Wim Trengove SC

Category: Honorary Bencher

Bench Call Date: 14-02-2023

Bio:

Wim Trengove SC is a South African advocate best known for his role in the development of South African constitutional jurisprudence and his involvement in high-profile political cases.

He litigated many of South Africa's most important human rights questions, arguing for the abolition of the death penalty; against discrimination on the basis of HIV status; for the protection of sex workers' labour rights; for the restitution of land and mineral rights to groups dispossessed during apartheid; and for the roll-out of anti-retroviral treatment for HIV patients. He represented mineworkers in a class action against mining companies for the widespread contraction of silicosis. The $400 million settlement was the largest in South African history.

Trengove has been active in high-profile political cases, representing former president Nelson Mandela, including in his divorce from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, leading the prosecution of former president Jacob Zuma, and representing President Cyril Ramaphosa in various matters.