Justice Albie Sachs: A life devoted to justice
Justice Albie Sachs shares his extraordinary journey from
anti-apartheid activist to Constitutional Court judge in this compelling season
opener of 'Legal Luminaries'.
We've got to be very sceptical about law's pretensions... but we should never be cynical about law's possibilities.
In this first episode of 'Legal Luminaries' season two, the former Constitutional Court judge shares his remarkable journey from battling apartheid to contributing to the foundation of South Africa's democracy.
With his natural warmth and wisdom, Justice Sachs talks about how the Constitutional Court has worked to protect human dignity, including its groundbreaking decision on same-sex marriage.
He tells well-known South African journalist Iman Rappetti about The Albie Collection – an important archive that preserves South Africa's constitutional history, made possible through the support of Amal and George Clooney.
RELATED LISTEN: Judge Bernard Ngoepe: A journey of humble beginnings that led to the bench
Through his idea of "soft vengeance", Sachs explains why justice matters more than getting even.
He also honours his colleague Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, celebrating how she brought heart, wisdom, and real-life understanding to the court.
From his poetic legal writing to how South Africa's legal system has influenced the world, this episode of 'Legal Luminaries' (a collaboration between Juta and Jacaranda FM) offers a special look into the mind of a man who turned personal suffering into a lifelong mission for healing, justice, and hope.
Listen below.
More about Albie Sachs
Albie Sachs is a renowned activist and writer and served as a Constitutional Court judge of South Africa from 1994 to 2009. As a young advocate, he defended anti-apartheid activists, enduring detention and exile before surviving a 1988 car bombing by South African security agents. Undeterred, he played a key role in shaping South Africa’s democratic Constitution and was later appointed to the country’s first Constitutional Court by Nelson Mandela.
Beyond the bench, Sachs has dedicated his life to promoting constitutionalism and the rule of law, founding the Albie Sachs Trust and serving on the Board of the Constitution Hill Trust. He has shared South Africa’s lessons on justice and reconciliation with the world.
An acclaimed author, his works include The Jail Diary of Albie Sachs, Soft Vengeance of a Freedom Fighter, and The Strange Alchemy of Life and Law. In 2025, to mark his 90th birthday, he launched The Albie Collection, a digital archive capturing his extraordinary journey of resistance, resilience, and hope.
More about Legal Luminaries
Legal Luminaries is a captivating podcast series brought to you by Juta and Jacaranda FM. Hosted by television personality and author, Iman Rappetti, this JacPod Original takes you on a journey through the lives and experiences of renowned legal giants who have played a pivotal role in shaping South African law.
Whether you're a legal enthusiast, a student of law, or simply curious about the minds behind South African democracy and human rights, Legal Luminaries is a must-listen.