Video Tributes
Professor Penelope (Penny) Andrews
John Marshall Harlan II Professor
Director: Racial Justice Project, New York Law School, New York
Advocate Shamila Batohi
National Director of Public Prosecutions, National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa
Advocate Andrea Gabriel
Alpha Group of Advocates
Professor Karthy Govender
Retired Professor of Law, UKZN, Advocate (SA); Barrister (UK), Senior Arbitrator (SALGBC) Member of the Appeal Panel of the Press Council of SA, Commissioner: SALRC
Professor Alan Rycroft
Department of Commercial Law, University of Cape Town, South Africa
Message Tributes
‘I fondly remember Prof McQuoid-Mason’s colourful presence throughout my studies, but it was only when I later joined the teaching staff that I truly came to appreciate his indefatigable work ethic, and his gracious humility about the immense contribution he did (and continues) to make to the life and work of the Law School.’
Prof McQuoid-Mason's contribution to the teaching and learning of law has been one of tremendous value to millions of people.
He shifted the focus of law from being a professional preserve to making it accessible to the lay person. Street law as he referred to it has been a sterling contribution to millions of ordinary people beginning to know their rights and to know how they can be protected and safe from any violations of the law.
His approach to law and justice has taken the concept of justice to the grassroots level and making it truly "justice for all".
He richly deserves recognition and honour for the work he has done in this direction.
I deeply admire his work and his commitment to the cause of justice.
‘I first met David when I was a member of the Economics Faculty and he was a member of the Law Faculty. I heard about the Street Law Programme and wanted to hear more so I attended one of his public presentations. It was a Master Class - in holding an audience, in superb teaching, and in community engagement. He set new standards for me and many others. The Street Law programme will be lauded by many but when he set out, he was carving out new territory, not necessarily welcome in all quarters in those dark days.
Not many people will know that David's Street Law contacts in Washington made it possible for an entity known as the Friends of the University of Natal to be established with a board of trustees able to open doors for me to solicit donations. I was introduced to influential people like Ethel Kennedy and others who knew of David's work and increasingly international reputation.
David was never a passive bystander when his expertise could be helpful. In those difficult years in the 1980s and 1990s, student protests were regular features as we tried to build a new democracy. David was present and helpful with legal advice and expertise in trying to manage these sometimes violent and always volatile situations - often at personal risk. I had many occasions to be personally grateful to him for that.
In short. he was an example to us all - as an activist for change, as a teacher and researcher, and as an engaged member of the university and the community it served. I salute him.’
Not many people will know that David's Street Law contacts in Washington made it possible for an entity known as the Friends of the University of Natal to be established with a board of trustees able to open doors for me to solicit donations. I was introduced to influential people like Ethel Kennedy and others who knew of David's work and increasingly international reputation.
David was never a passive bystander when his expertise could be helpful. In those difficult years in the 1980s and 1990s, student protests were regular features as we tried to build a new democracy. David was present and helpful with legal advice and expertise in trying to manage these sometimes violent and always volatile situations - often at personal risk. I had many occasions to be personally grateful to him for that.
In short. he was an example to us all - as an activist for change, as a teacher and researcher, and as an engaged member of the university and the community it served. I salute him.’
‘David has worked tirelessly over the years to promote an approach to learning and teaching that supports and empowers students whilst promoting social justice. His contribution at home and abroad has been hugely significant. David has been a personal inspiration to me from the day I first met him at a typically (for David) interactive workshop on human rights in Vanuatu. Since then we have worked together many times and it has always been a pleasure as well as hopefully useful to all concerned. I am so pleased to add my appreciation at today’s fitting celebration. Thank you David!’
Emeritus Professor, University of Buckingham
Professor, UN Anti-Corruption Academy
Vice-President, Commonwealth Legal Education Association
‘When we gave David an Honorary Doctorate here at Northumbria University (UK) he breathed life into the ceremony as none have done before or since. Our graduates had the inspirational experience of an address from someone passionate, humane and vibrant – in dress and spirit when seen alongside the rest of the platform party! Someone clearly interested in the students and their futures. But this doesn’t fully capture David’s contribution because alongside these elements is his rigorous and robust approach to Clinical Legal Education. Passion and inspiration are combined with deep knowledge and a commitment to making change happen with real outcomes for those he works with. It has been a pleasure and inspiration to know him.’
‘It is rare indeed to find someone who is not only intellectually and academically gifted but also abundantly possessed of qualities such as kindness, helpfulness, warmth and genuine caring for one’s fellow humans. One such rare person is Professor David McQuoid-Mason. I have known, worked and occasionally travelled with David over the past two decades. Every one of my interactions with David has left me impressed at the measure of the man. He is a truly exceptional human being who gives of himself without expecting any return. Despite his close engagements with the most monumental figures from our struggle history, such as late President Mandela, David has remained a humble and willing servant of this country, this University and this Law School. David’s readiness to share his knowledge and expertise in his speciality areas also extends to the rest of the world. Acknowledgement of this is reflected in the numerous awards, honorary doctorates and other accolades bestowed on him by institutions and countries from across the globe.
My most enjoyable overseas travel experiences have been with David, who turns every trip into an adventure. Whether running in the streets of Hong Kong to catch a cable car or eating a vegetarian thali in New Delhi, every occasion becomes memorable through David’s ubiquitous knowledge from having travelled to more than 100 countries. Most impressive, however, is that like late president Mandela and South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, David is known throughout the length and breadth of India. As a South African academic, a visit to any university in India always elicits the inquiry, “Do you know Professor David McQuoid-Mason?”
Over the past 50 years, David has been an exemplary academic, a role he continues to fulfil. It is my honour to congratulate David on this remarkable achievement of a lifetime. Long may he continue to excel as an academic of the highest stature and a friend and fellow human being beyond measure.’
My most enjoyable overseas travel experiences have been with David, who turns every trip into an adventure. Whether running in the streets of Hong Kong to catch a cable car or eating a vegetarian thali in New Delhi, every occasion becomes memorable through David’s ubiquitous knowledge from having travelled to more than 100 countries. Most impressive, however, is that like late president Mandela and South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, David is known throughout the length and breadth of India. As a South African academic, a visit to any university in India always elicits the inquiry, “Do you know Professor David McQuoid-Mason?”
Over the past 50 years, David has been an exemplary academic, a role he continues to fulfil. It is my honour to congratulate David on this remarkable achievement of a lifetime. Long may he continue to excel as an academic of the highest stature and a friend and fellow human being beyond measure.’
