Details

Legal Name	Wim Trengove
Born	October 27, 1949 (Age 76 Years)
Nationality	South African
Profession	Advocate
Alma mater	University of Pretoria

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Early Life and Education

Wim Trengove was born on 27 October 1949 in Pretoria, South Africa. He is the son of J. J. Trengove, who was an advocate and later served as a judge of the Supreme Court. Initially interested in pursuing a career in civil engineering, Trengove shifted his focus to law after completing his conscripted service in the South African Defence Force. He graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws (BCom LLB) degree, achieving cum laude honors.

Legal Career

Trengove was admitted to the bar in Johannesburg in 1975. Although he initially intended to specialize in commercial law, he gained recognition for his work in labor law and political trials, particularly those involving anti-apartheid activists. He was appointed as a Senior Counsel (taking silk) in 1987. Throughout his career, he has held several significant positions, including Chairman of the Johannesburg Bar Council and Chairman of the General Council of the Bar. He has also served as the Director of Constitutional Litigation at the Legal Resources Centre and has acted as a judge in both the High Court and the Labour Court.

Public and Constitutional Work

Trengove is known for his contributions to constitutional law and human rights in South Africa. He has argued numerous landmark cases in the Constitutional Court, including:

• S v Makwanyane: This case led to the abolition of the death penalty in South Africa.
• Hoffmann v South African Airways: He argued against discrimination based on HIV status.
• Kylie v CCMA: He advocated for the protection of sex workers' labor rights.
• Alexkor Ltd v Richtersveld Community: He represented groups seeking restitution of land and mineral rights dispossessed during apartheid.
• Minister of Health v Treatment Action Campaign: He argued for the rollout of anti-retroviral treatment for HIV patients.

In addition, Trengove represented mineworkers in a class action lawsuit against mining companies for damages related to silicosis, resulting in a $400 million settlement, the largest in South African history.

Notable Cases and Political Involvement

Trengove has been involved in several high-profile political cases. He represented former President Nelson Mandela in various legal matters, including his divorce from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. He also led the prosecution of former President Jacob Zuma on corruption charges. More recently, in September 2026, Trengove represented President Cyril Ramaphosa in legal proceedings concerning an impeachment inquiry related to allegations of misconduct.

Personal Life

Wim Trengove has six children, one of whom is John Trengove, a film director. He met his second wife, Estelle Viljoen, a journalist, in the 1980s while she was covering one of his cases.

Trengove has been recognized for his significant contributions to South African law and continues to be an influential figure in the legal landscape of the country.