Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Adv Abbey Mhlopeki Dlavane (61) passed away recently.
His story is one of principle, perseverance, and generosity. Born and raised under the harsh structures of apartheid South Africa, he became a fearless student leader and activist from a young age. He matriculated at Bethel High school, near Coligny, where he started to engage in politics. He continued to rise as a leader at Turfloop (University of Limpopo), serving as Deputy President of the SRC and championing student activism at great personal risk.
A committed comrade of the ANC, he stood firm in the face of oppression, organizing boycotts, leading marches, and enduring harassment, detention under the state of emergency, and violent crackdowns.
On one fateful day, while pursued by police, Abbey leapt from a fifth-floor window to save him, an act that left him with lasting injuries but never broke his spirit. He was arrested at Mara police station in Louis Trichardt.
When democracy finally dawned, Abbey turned his passion for justice into a professional calling. As an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa (1995), he built a distinguished legal career, practicing across the country and dedicating himself to expanding access to justice. He was respected for his sharp legal mind, and reflecting on his journey, he said: “I feel proud as I believe I have contributed immensely to the freedom of today… it is not perfect, but we have freedom.”
Abbey served on various boards in the Bophuthatswana government, where he exercised his legal expertise in terms of governance. Beyond his public work, he was a family man through and through. To his friends and colleagues, he was a man who could be relied upon in good times and in hardship alike.
He will be remembered for his integrity, his quiet bravery, his loyalty, and his deep humanity. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of extended family, comrades, clients, and friends.
His funeral service will take place on Saturday September 13. The funeral will be at home in Ikageng between 07:30 - 07:45, followed by a service from 08:00-11:30 at Madiba Hall, Potchefstroom.
