BOOK REVIEW
Title: Judge Dingake Selected Speeches and Writings
Author: Senior Magistrate Kgopolo Ntseane
Publisher: Notion Press Publishing
Pages: 322
Delve into the mindset of a lawmaker through “Judge Dingake Selected Speeches and Writings,” a 322-page publication authored by Senior Magistrate Kgopolo Ntseane and published by Notion Press.
Ntseane, who obtained his LLB from the University of Namibia in 2007, is a distinguished Motswana jurist. This is his second book, following the “Handbook for Trainee Magistrates in Botswana,” published in 2023.
Broad range of topics
The foreword is written by Judge Thomas Sibusiso Masuku of the High Court of Namibia, who is a former judge of the High Courts of Botswana and Eswatini.
“I first came to know Justice Key Dingake when I was assigned to his chambers as a research assistant in 2014. Over the years, I documented his most famous speeches and compiled them into this book,” Ntseane shares in an exclusive interview with Time Out.
This statement reflects how our surroundings and experiences shape both our professional and personal lives. The book covers a broad range of topics, including human rights, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
Accessible and relatable
Justice Dingake’s writings reveal a jurist deeply committed to the power of law to transform lives. Ntseane skilfully selects accessible and relatable speeches, ensuring the messages are clear and impactful.
The book opens with a compelling excerpt from Justice Dingake’s reflections on his life journey, illustrating his early resolve to pursue a career in law and justice.
In his writings, Justice Dingake equates the role of a judge to a calling akin to the priesthood. “Being appointed a judge is like being called to (the) priesthood,” he writes. This comparison highlights the heavy responsibility of fairness, righteousness, and justice that judges must uphold.
Vigilant protection
Ntseane masterfully conveys Justice Dingake’s core message: the rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups require vigilant protection of the courts.
“The book will prove particularly useful to the legal fraternity and civil society groups that often advocate for human rights,” he emphasises.
Through the carefully selected speeches and writings, the reader is immersed in Justice Dingake’s world, gaining valuable insights into his legal philosophy and dedication to justice. Ntseane’s ability to present these complex ideas in a relatable way is one of the book’s key strengths.
Launch
The book launch is set for 23 November 2024 at Stanbic Bank Incubator, Fairgrounds Mall in Gaborone. Kgopolo Ntseane and Professor Justice Dingake will be featured speakers along with a surprise panel to be revealed a week before the event.
Copies of “Judge Dingake Selected Speeches and Writings” are available in Gaborone with orders through +267 74809188 and on Amazon for international readers.