He joined the organisation in March 2003. He became the Principal Attorney in Kimberley and Bloemfontein in 2006 and served as the Justice Centre Executive in Bloemfontein and the Provincial Legal Manager for the Free State and North West before being appointed as the Head of Office in the Bloemfontein area in 2013.

Motloung admitted in a post on LinkedIn that his career milestone of 20 years of continuous service at Legal Aid SA “was not all rosy, not every day presented sunshine”.

“There were rocky paths, the thorns were brutal and uncompromising, but through it all, one thing remained and is still there: my willpower and passion for justice.

“In an age when job hopping is fashionable, the inner power to resist the temptation that comes with the incessant search for better opportunities and new experiences goes beyond loyalty.

He says the remarks of Chinese philosopher Confucius resonate with him: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

“I have been able to push through and overcome the hurdles. My contribution to the protection and advancement of human rights is nothing less than a mark of strong passion for justice. Thank you, Legal Aid SA, for the platform. I believe the full circle is now complete.”

His LinkedIn post receives several comments, including this one from attorney Ryan Ishmail: “Those who know Ntate Motloung personally will know that even at social events, after hours, and wherever he is, he is likely to start a conversation on how to improve justice and competent legal services for all people in RSA. He truly believes in the vision of Lasa (Legal Aid South Africa), this is not just a job for him.  So many candidate or junior practitioners have served under his leadership, and some are now presiding officers and directors in state institutions.”

Attorney Goitseone Kagiso Mangope described him as “one of the most humble and knowledgeable legal leaders I have ever come across”.

“I remember how you humoured us as candidate attorneys by questioning the governance structure of Legal Aid SA during our training in Bloem. You engaged us and it was both rewarding and humbling because you treated us as colleagues in a super hierarchical profession.”

Tshepiso Mochabela also thanked Motloung for his guidance. “I learned a lot from you. You have taught me resilience, perseverance and dedication, among others. Thank you for your guidance and your impact on my career. I will forever be grateful.”

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