Litnet

Leon Wessels matriculated at Hoërskool Monument in 1963, obtained an LLB from the University of Potchefstroom in 1972, LLM (cum laude) in 1997 and LLD in 2001 from the Rand Afrikaans University (now UJ).

Has been an advocate of the High Court of South Africa since 1973.

Enjoyed a political career spanning 22 and a half years. Member of Parliament for Krugersdorp; deputy minister of law and order, deputy minister of foreign affairs; numerous cabinet positions, including manpower, planning, provincial affairs and national housing.

Participated in the Codesa Kempton Park negotiations (1991–1994); served as deputy chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly (1994–1996). Stepped down from parliament and politics at the inception of the final Constitution (December 1996).

Served as commissioner to the South African Human Rights Commission between January 1999 and 30 September 2009. Was an associate of the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice at the University of the Free State and also director of the Free State Centre for Human Rights.

Is currently honorary professor of law, Department of Public Law at the North-West University, a member of the Constitution Hill Trust (CHT) and the Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution (Casac), and legal advisor for Thusang Morwalo (paralegal advice office in Kagiso).

Leon lives in Krugersdorp.

Pastimes

• Running – Comrades marathon (1983, 1985), New York Marathon (1994)
• Cycling – Argus tour (1985, 1995)
• Swimming – Fishhoek mile (2001), Midmar mile (2002, 2003)

Publications

Einde van ’n Era – bevryding van ‘n Afrikaner (1994)

My rights! Your rights? Let’s talk (2007)

Vereeniging – die onvoltooide vrede (2010)

Encountering apartheid’s ghosts – from Krugersdorp to Constitution Hill (2020)