News24 | More appeals will destroy you, Mpumalanga judge warns suspended 'body positivity' lawyer

In a recent legal development in South Africa, Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela has denied suspended attorney Zietta Janse van Rensburg the right to appeal her court-ordered suspension. The refusal was made by Judges Brian Mashile and Acting Judge Lungile Bhengu during a hearing on March 15, 2023.

Janse van Rensburg, a well-known advocate for body positivity and self-love in the legal profession, was suspended by the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) in October 2022 following allegations of professional misconduct. The specific details of the misconduct have not been disclosed to the public.

The attorney applied for leave to appeal the suspension at the Mpumalanga High Court, arguing that the LSSA did not follow due process during the disciplinary proceedings against her. However, her application was dismissed by Judges Mashile and Bhengu, who found that she had not provided sufficient grounds for an appeal.

The judges also warned Janse van Rensburg that continued appeals would be detrimental to her legal career and could potentially result in further disciplinary action. The judges emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by the legal profession to maintain the integrity of the legal system.

Janse van Rensburg has gained a significant following on social media for her advocacy work promoting body positivity and self-love within the legal profession. She has used her platform to challenge the traditional expectations of appearance and demeanor within the legal field, encouraging her followers to embrace their unique qualities and focus on their abilities rather than their physical appearances.

Despite the setback of her suspension and the denial of her appeal, Janse van Rensburg remains committed to her advocacy work and has expressed her intention to continue fighting for change within the legal profession. She has also announced plans to launch a legal clinic focused on providing affordable legal services to marginalized communities.

The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to professional standards and the potential consequences of failing to do so. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to promote diversity, inclusivity, and self-love within the legal profession and beyond.

In conclusion, the Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela has denied suspended attorney Zietta Janse van Rensburg the right to appeal her court-ordered suspension due to insufficient grounds for an appeal. The judges warned her that continued appeals could be detrimental to her legal career and potentially result in further disciplinary action. Janse van Rensburg remains committed to her advocacy work promoting body positivity and self-love within the legal profession despite the setback of her suspension.