A local attorney, Mr Benedict Sigogo, was unanimously voted the new president of the Black Lawyers Association (BLA) during the association’s general meeting that was held at Emperor's Palace Hotel in Johannesburg last Saturday.

Mr Sigogo is from the Thohoyandou-based firm of attorneys, MRS Attorneys.

His deputy is Mr Mashudu Kutama, who practices in Gauteng.  The new general secretary of the association is Ms Baetseng Rangata, who is also based in Gauteng. Ms Zanele Nkosi, who practices in the North West Province, was elected the new deputy general secretary of the association. Mr Lulama Lubi, who hails from the Northern Cape, holds the post of treasurer.

The other members of the executive committee are Mr Mongezi Mphahla from the Western Cape and Vuyo Morobane from the Free State.

During an interview, Sigogo indicated that he was humbled by the confidence that the members of the association had shown in him. He further revealed that his committee will ensure that the interests of black lawyers are taken care of. According to him, the association was formed way back in 1977. Some of the association’s founder members are Mr Godfrey Pitje and the late Mr Tuwani Henry Netshifhefhe.