Lukas Petrus Johannes Swart was born in 1958. He completed his schooling at the Aliwal North High School, and after his compulsory military service obtained the degrees B.Juris LL.B at the then University of Port Elizabeth (1979 - 1983).

He served articles of clerkship with Ian van Rooyen and Matthee in Durban (1984 - 1985), then moved to the Cape where he was employed as a professional assistant with attorney Johan Swart in Bellville, and later with Pincus Matz Marquard Hugo-Hamman in Claremont. In 1989 he joined the firm S.G.Hoffman and Van Tonder in Paarl, and was later made a partner in the firm which was then known as S.G.Hoffman, Swart and Meyer. He started his own firm, PETER SWART PROKUREUR / ATTORNEY in 1996.

Peter is a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Paarl. He is a founder member of the Paarl Toastmasters Club, and has served as a member of the Girls' High School governing body. He has also served as chairman of Paarl Round Table 44, the Paarl Police Forum, and the Paarl Attorney's Association. He regularly serves as Commisioner in the Small Claims Court. He is married to Camilla and they have two daughters. His other interests include the production of olive tapenade (see www.blackpearlolives.co.za).

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