The appointment of North-West University (NWU) alumnus, Leonie Windell, to the Supreme Court of Appeal marks the culmination of a legal career spanning more than three decades, rooted in a foundational legal education obtained at the NWU.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, that Judge Windell has been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal with effect from 1 June 2026. The appointment was made in terms of section 174(6) of the Constitution and on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.
Judge Windell completed her B Iuris degree at the then Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, now the NWU, in 1988. She later completed her LLB through the University of South Africa in 1994, but credits her time at NWU as the foundation of her legal journey.
Her career in the legal profession spans more than 36 years and includes service as a prosecutor, magistrate, High Court judge and acting judge in the Supreme Court of Appeal. She served nearly two decades as a magistrate before her appointment to the High Court in 2013. Over the course of her judicial career, she has authored hundreds of judgments across constitutional, commercial and criminal law.
Despite her demanding legal career, Judge Windell has maintained close ties with the NWU community over the years. She is a member of the university’s Convocation and previously served as a houseparent at Patria residence between 2005 and 2009. She has also presided over the moot court finals involving NWU law students on multiple occasions, contributing to the development of future legal professionals.
Reflecting on her appointment, Judge Windell said:
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment to the Supreme Court of Appeal. It carries a responsibility I do not take lightly - to uphold the Constitution, advance justice and serve all South Africans with fairness and integrity. I hope it also encourages other women to step forward with confidence and to remember that with resilience and determination, one should never give up on their dreams.”
Her appointment comes at a time when the role of the judiciary in safeguarding constitutional democracy remains under intense public scrutiny and importance in South Africa. As one of the country’s highest appellate courts, the Supreme Court of Appeal plays a critical role in shaping legal precedent and interpreting the law across a wide range of matters affecting society.
For the North-West University, Judge Windell’s appointment represents not only a significant personal achievement, but also a reflection of the university’s longstanding contribution to South Africa’s legal profession and broader public service landscape.
