Rich Pickings Out Of The Past (Paperback)

Reviews

"A remarkable account of a remarkable life" by Judy Croome | @judy_croome - 12 September 2022

A candid account of the challenges Judge Bernard Makgabo Ngoepe faced on his journey from being “the village boy” to his position as one of the most respected judicial and academic minds on the African continent, “Rich Pickings Out of the Past” is an eloquent memoir combining humility, human rights and history. A vivid tapestry—at once jubilant and deeply sobering—Judge Ngoepe’s memoir teaches us what it means to come of age as a conscientious human being. Everyone who seeks to understand South Africa at this point in our history will learn much from the complex mix of race, politics, education and law that threads through these stories. His wise and compelling voice will inspire anyone with a passion for learning about the past to work towards a better future for all. As he looks back “through the lens of a Judge”, he recalls highly politicized cases. Unflinching in his acknowledgement of the good and bad aspects of both an apartheid and a post-apartheid South Africa, Judge Ngoepe takes readers inside the duties and responsibilities of a judge with compassion, candour and humour. Judge Ngoepe’s determination to recognize and transcend any personal biases in the execution of his judicial duties reflects a formidable inner strength, perhaps forged in the personal tragedies he has suffered. Where others would fall eagerly into the role of victim, Judge Ngoepe repeatedly rises above circumstances to break another barrier, to cross another boundary, helping change the shape of a nation from the pariah of the world to a young democracy that, if it can learn from the lessons and the deep wounds of the past, has the potential to lead the way for other nations —first, second or third world—to thrive in more equitable and humane ways of being. As our nation (and continent) continues to struggle with overcoming the painful historic context of colonialism, Judge Bernard Ngoepe’s “Rich Pickings” takes on added importance: his beliefs centre on the evolving standards of human rights for all in a maturing society that reflects the personal progress of everyone within that society. “Rich Pickings Out of the Past” is a memoir that, irrespective of gender, race or religious beliefs, the youth of today – the leaders of tomorrow – should be obliged to read, for it is a text that, with an unblinking eye, recognises the flawed humanity of all: president or pauper, black or white, self or other, and judge or criminal. Ultimately, the value of “Rich Pickings Out of the Past” lies in the refreshing change from other memoirs that are too often self-aggrandizing. I closed the book feeling that I had spent time with a wise and humble elder, one who has seen the depths humanity can sink to and is yet passionate about the heights that, with integrity, discipline and commitment to a cause, humanity can still aspire too. I’ve now bought several extra copies of “Rich Pickings Out of the Past” to give as gifts to friends, family and acquaintances because, not only is it a remarkable account of a remarkable life, but it’s also a beacon of hope, a guiding light, in a modern world that too often seems to have lost its way.