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CONSTITUTION

Today, the BLA's constitution envisions a legal profession that is inclusive and equitable.

Guiding Principles

The Constitution of the Black Lawyers Association serves as the foundation for its structure, values, and operations. It reflects the Association’s unwavering commitment to social justice, legal transformation, and the empowerment of historically marginalized legal professionals.

Preamble and purpose

The Constitution reaffirms the BLA’s role in building a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society. It outlines the commitment of the Association to fight racial and gender discrimination, promote human rights, support broad-based economic participation by black South Africans, and foster an independent and accountable judiciary.

Legal Structure

The BLA is a non-profit juristic entity capable of acquiring rights, owning property, and initiating legal actions. It operates throughout South Africa, with its head office located in Gauteng and branches established across provinces.

Historic Resistance to Legal Injustice

From its inception, the Black Lawyers Association was established as a response to the profound legal injustices embedded in South Africa’s apartheid legal framework. Black legal practitioners were systematically excluded from equal participation in the profession and subjected to laws that denied them basic freedoms. The BLA emerged to challenge these injustices by creating a united front that defended the rights of black lawyers and the marginalized communities they served. Its early focus was on dismantling racially discriminatory laws, resisting segregated court practices, and advocating for access to justice for black South Africans who were victims of an oppressive legal order.

Guiding Principles of the Black Lawyers Association (BLA)

Equitable Vision

Membership is open to all lawyers and aspiring legal practitioners regardless of race, gender, or creed. Members are expected to uphold the values of the Association and abide by its Constitution. Membership is renewable annually and subject to compliance with subscription requirements.

Governess and leadership

The highest decision-making body is the National Executive Committee (NEC), which oversees the administration and governance of the BLA. The NEC includes positions such as President, Deputy President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and other key heads of portfolios. Branches, led by their own executive committees, handle local affairs. There is also a Student Chapter for law students, integrated into the national structure.

Meetings and Elections

National Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and other general meetings guide major decisions.
Members in good standing can vote and be nominated for leadership roles.
Elections are conducted by secret ballot under the supervision of independent officers.

Amendments and Dissolution

Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority vote at a General Meeting. In the event of dissolution, BLA’s assets must be donated to a charitable cause aligned with its mission.

Modern Commitment to Transformation and Equity

Today, while the legislative landscape has changed, the BLA remains vigilant in addressing persistent inequalities within the legal profession and broader society. The Association’s current constitutional objectives reflect a forward-looking approach: promoting a non-racial and non-sexist judiciary, advancing the rights of the economically and socially disadvantaged, and cultivating a jurisprudence rooted in the values and cultural aspirations of the majority. The BLA now operates not only as a defender of rights but also as a proactive agent for transformation—empowering young and female legal professionals, influencing policy, and ensuring that the legal system reflects the democratic ideals of equality, justice, and inclusion.