As South Africa celebrates Mandela Day this July, we’re reminded of the words that inspire everything we do: “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Since our founding in 1984, Mc Naught & Co has been built on a deep belief that the law is here to serve, protect, and uplift. That belief didn’t begin in the courtroom - it started in the community.
From City Hall to the Courtroom: A Legacy of Service
Our founder, Dave Mc Naught, has always embodied what it means to lead with purpose. In 1988, he was elected to the Fynnland Ward of the Durban City Council, later serving as Deputy Mayor of Durban and contributing to the transitional structures during one of South Africa’s most pivotal times in history.
Outside of politics, Dave chaired school governing bodies, sat on education councils, and championed local sport and youth development as patron of both the Fynnland Football Club and Dolphin Surf Lifesaving Club. His leadership was never about titles, it was about people. And that legacy still beats at the heart of our firm today.
Pro Bono with Purpose: When the Law Serves People
Community impact for us isn’t confined to Mandela Day. It’s part of our everyday commitment to justice. Our team regularly undertakes pro bono legal work - from helping victims of domestic violence and representing individuals facing discrimination, to supporting community-based organisations with sound legal guidance.
We choose our pro bono cases based on three key imperatives:
This isn’t just legal work. It’s people work. This shared spirit of giving, endurance and unity are why we continue to show up for causes that matter.
Practising Responsible Law
For us, the practice of law carries a duty far beyond technical expertise. It is about acting with integrity, engaging with empathy, and being mindful of the broader social impact of every legal decision we make. Practising responsible law means putting people before process, understanding the realities clients face, and using our skills to promote fairness, equity, and sustainable outcomes. In every matter, whether civil, commercial, or constitutional, we are guided by the principle that the law should be a force for good.
From boardrooms to city councils, running shoes to legal briefs, our work at Mc Naught & Co has always been rooted in the belief that people come first. Whether we’re helping clients navigate complex legal matters or standing beside a community in need, our commitment remains the same:
To practise law with heart.
This Mandela Day, and every day, we’re proud to carry forward a legacy of service, impact, and humanity. Because when law is built on trust and compassion, it doesn’t just solve problems.
It changes lives.
📍Need legal guidance or want to learn more about our community initiatives?
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