Mr Arendse is a senior practising advocate and a member of the Cape and Johannesburg Bars. The senior counsel status was conferred upon him in 1998. He was a member of the previous UCT Council, serving on its executive committee and as chair of the then Naming of Buildings Committee.

Mr Arendse’s extensive experience in governance, legal matters and leadership roles in national sports structures in South Africa as well as in the law profession as the first black chair of the General Council of the Bar of South Africa.

Mr Arendse was elected Chair of Council at its meeting on 6 July 2024.