Remembering Judge Taswell Papier: A champion of justice and human rights
The late Judge Taswell Papier was a proud UWC alumnus.
Image: Supplied.
The legal fraternity is mourning the loss of Judge Taswell Papier, a distinguished alumnus of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and a respected permanent Judge of the Western Cape High Court.
Judge Papier died on Tuesday, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in human rights, access to justice, and constitutional development.
In a statement the Office of the Chief Justice on behalf of Judge President Nolwazi Mabindla-Boqwana and the Western Cape judiciary, Judge Papier was described as a jurist whose “life of selfless service touched countless lives and shaped the nation’s pursuit of justice.”
Judge Papier’s legal journey began at UWC during the politically charged 1980s, where he was both a committed student activist and a dedicated scholar.
Dean of UWC's Law Faculty, Professor Jacques De Ville, expressed deep sadness at Judge Papier's passing. Born in 1961, Judge Papier’s career was defined by his dedication to service, starting in his student days at UWC where he obtained his Diploma Iuris in 1983 and a BProc degree in 1987.
He served as Convenor of the UWC Legal Aid Clinic in 1982 and as Chairperson of the UWC Law Students Council from 1984 to 1985. After a brief period as a prosecutor, he established his own human rights legal practice in Mitchells Plain, which he ran for 17 years, often representing community activists and anti-apartheid organisations across the Western Cape without charge.
During the apartheid era, he represented “thousands of students and school learners, arrested by apartheid police during protests,” as well as members of liberation movements facing serious charges including treason and sabotage.
Judge Papier’s commitment to justice was globally recognised. In 1994, he was a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Law School Human Rights Program, completing an LLM in Human Rights there in 1995. His career pivoted in 2004 when he joined ENSafrica as a senior partner/director specialising in corporate and commercial law, a role he held until 2017. During this time, he also received the UK Global Lawyer of the Year Award in 2006.
A Life of Service on the Bench
Judge Papier served the judiciary in an acting capacity in the Western Cape High Court between 2000 and 2002, and again in 2017, before being appointed as a permanent Judge of the Western Cape High Court in November 2017. He served with distinction until his passing. Despite his demanding role, he continued to pursue academic excellence, obtaining an LLM in Commercial Law from UCT in 2014 and a Certificate in Mediation from the London School of Mediation in 2015. He also contributed his expertise to numerous associations, committees, boards, tribunals, and foundations.
He was also an active member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, where he held several leadership roles before his nomination to the bench.
His personal philosophy underscored his approach to both law and life. Reflecting on his journey, he once offered this advice:
- “Be constructive, inclusive and unifying in your approach. Always strive to make a positive and constructive contribution, as opposed to being divisive and destructive.”
- “There is no substitute for hard work. Use disadvantage to your advantage, and always contribute in any way you can to addressing the plight of others.”
- “If it was not for UWC, I would probably not have been a lawyer and consequently a Judge.”1
Judge Papier was deeply committed to mentorship. His friend, Vivienne Lawack, described him as a “mensch - someone who set aside time for people, whether established lawyers, scholars, or students.” He famously mentored many, including Accelerated Excellence Programme student Sazi Tshangana, whom he invited to sit in on court proceedings. He also remained closely connected to UWC, regularly visiting the Law Faculty.
Judge Taswell Papier will be remembered for his professional achievements, his dedication to justice, and his service to others
The judiciary added that he was “known for his kind, gentle, and caring personality” and played a significant role in mentoring young legal professionals.
“He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow colleagues, and the South African nation,” the judiciary said.
Judge Papier is survived by his wife, Joy, his children Roscoe and Kayla, as well as his parents and sister.
The judiciary extended its condolences, saying, “Our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy of compassion and justice endures.”