Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Jeff Hadebe
Deputy Minister of Justice & Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel
Acting Judge President Justice Chimanlal Patel
Msunduzi Municipality Deputy Mayor, clr Thobani Zuma
Umgungundlovu District Municipality, Chief Whip, clr SE Khabela
Director-general of Justice & Constitutional Development, Ms Nonkuleleko Sindane
Legal Aid SA, KZN Regional Executive, Mr V Mdaka
Chief Master, Advocate Lester Basson
KZN Head of State Attorneys: Mr Krish Govender
Acting Master of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court, Pietermaritzburg, Ms Euphemia Daniels
Today’s historical event is clear evidence of how things can turn out for the better. This is a drip down memory lane but a much improved trip.
This old building was originally built in 1899 and the colonnaded front façade was subsequently completed in 1901. The design of the building is attributed to William Henry Powell, who won £100 for its design back in 1894. The foundation stone was laid in 1887 and Powell died in 1900, before the building was completed.
It has since been declared as a Heritage Site and it is great to see it restored to its former grandeur after years of neglect. It forms part of the treasure cove of Victorian architecture for which Pietermaritzburg is known. As the Provincial Capital since
1854, this old Colonial Building housed various government offices over the years.
However, beautiful as it is, the building remained a symbol of injustice to many South Africans, who recalled the oppression and brutality against black people in earlier years.
Six years before this beautiful building was completed, and ardent satyagrahi and father of the Indian independence movement Mahatma Gandhi was thrown off the train he boarded at the Pietermaritzburg station. Despite holding first class tickets he was instructed to move the third-class passenger car. As we all know his refusal resulted in him being thrown off with his luggage.
How wonderful that we could get rid of the ghosts of the past!
Today Mahatma Gandhi’s statue can be seen just outside this old building. And for the first time in the history of South Africa has an Indian acting as Judge President, Justice Chimanlal Patel.
The democratic government has come a long way in bringing justice closer to the people. It is significant that the Office of the Master of the High Court has moved to
this location. As one of the key service-delivery programmes, it impacts directly on the vulnerable members of society.
We wish each staff member who works in this office many happy years of service delivery. We have now restored the building – let us also leave no stones unturned until we have restored justice to those most in need. Where there was injustice – let there now be justice.
I thank you.
Province
