The Faculty is deeply saddened by the news that Advocate JG (Hans) van der Riet SC passed away on 4 August 2019. He will be truly missed, also by our Faculty.
Steve Georgala (with inputs from Edwin Cameron, Johan Froneman and Chris Otto) writes in a fitting obituary that Hans passed away at his home in Betty’s Bay (five days after his 67th birthday).
“Hans grew up in Bloemfontein where he attended Grey College, matriculating in 1970. After completing compulsory national service in the South African navy Hans went on to study BA (Law) at Stellenbosch where he was resident in Wilgenhof. He strayed from law to finish majors in English and political philosophy before returning to the Stellenbosch law faculty to graduate with an LLB (cum laude) in 1977. He immediately commenced work towards a doctorate in Jurisprudence at the same law school, where he also worked as a lecturer in the law faculty.
In 1982 he took a break from lecturing and based himself in London where he continued to work on his doctorate at the Centre for Advanced Legal Studies in Russell Square. In 1983 Hans returned to Stellenbosch University and after a brief spell decided to change course from his doctoral studies, in favour of a career as an advocate at the Johannesburg Bar.
Hans arrived in Johannesburg in January 1984 and commenced his pupillage under John Myburgh. Soon after starting practice, Hans established himself as a champion of the oppressed, developing a practice in labour law where he invariably took the side of the underdog. Hans took silk and his career continued to flourish with many major cases, including significant victories in the Constitutional Court. In 2018 Hans started to practise from Cape Town as well as Johannesburg until he gave up his practice in Johannesburg in January 2019. Hans continued to work until the very end.
Hans is survived by his wife Renée and her two children, Karien and John Trengove, who grew up in their joint household.
He was a man who made many friends and one who could apply his massive intellect and prodigious memory to matters of great importance and banal anecdotes alike. This, and his passion for sports, allowed him to have instant recall of the score and the run of play in any cricket match, rugby or golf game he had participated in or witnessed.
His loyal friendship and true moral compass will be missed by the many who were guided by him.”
The Faculty extends our condolences to his family and friends.
Die Fakulteit verneem met groot hartseer van advokaat JG (Hans) van der Riet (SC) se sterfte op 4 Augustus 2019. Hy sal waarlik – ook deur ons Fakulteit – gemis word.
Steve Georgala (met insette van Edwin Cameron, Johan Froneman en Chris Otto) skryf in ʼn gepaste doodsberig dat Hans by sy huis in Bettiesbaai oorlede is (vyf dae na sy 67ste verjaarsdag).
“Hans grew up in Bloemfontein where he attended Grey College, matriculating in 1970. After completing compulsory national service in the South African navy Hans went on to study BA (Law) at Stellenbosch where he was resident in Wilgenhof. He strayed from law to finish majors in English and political philosophy before returning to the Stellenbosch law faculty to graduate with an LLB (cum laude) in 1977. He immediately commenced work towards a doctorate in Jurisprudence at the same law school, where he also worked as a lecturer in the law faculty.
In 1982 he took a break from lecturing and based himself in London where he continued to work on his doctorate at the Centre for Advanced Legal Studies in Russell Square. In 1983 Hans returned to Stellenbosch University and after a brief spell decided to change course from his doctoral studies, in favour of a career as an advocate at the Johannesburg Bar.
Hans arrived in Johannesburg in January 1984 and commenced his pupillage under John Myburgh. Soon after starting practice, Hans established himself as a champion of the oppressed, developing a practice in labour law where he invariably took the side of the underdog. Hans took silk and his career continued to flourish with many major cases, including significant victories in the Constitutional Court. In 2018 Hans started to practise from Cape Town as well as Johannesburg until he gave up his practice in Johannesburg in January 2019. Hans continued to work until the very end.
Hans is survived by his wife Renée and her two children, Karien and John Trengove, who grew up in their joint household.
He was a man who made many friends and one who could apply his massive intellect and prodigious memory to matters of great importance and banal anecdotes alike. This, and his passion for sports, allowed him to have instant recall of the score and the run of play in any cricket match, rugby or golf game he had participated in or witnessed.
His loyal friendship and true moral compass will be missed by the many who were guided by him.”
Die Fakulteit betuig ons innige medelye met sy familie en vriende.