Acting President, Justice Harms
Learned friends:
Chief Justice, Moegeng Moegeng
President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Justice Mpati
Judge President on behalf of the High Court, Justice Musi
Chairperson of the Free State Bar, Advocate Daffue
President of the Law Society of the Free State, Mr Moroka
National Director of National Public Prosecutions, Advocate Simelane
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Honourable Radebe
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
Premier of the Free State, Mr Magashule
The Mayor of Mangaung, Mr Manyoni
The Principal Agent Architect, Mr Botha – on behalf of the professionals, artisans and workers who made this day possible
Honoured guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Minister Radebe, let me assure you from the side of Public Works, that the additions and renovations to this great historic building, have been completed with great care and attention to detail.
As you know materials – sandstone, granite and hardwood - had to be carefully sourced – some from overseas – in order to maintain the integrity of the original design and build of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
But even as we have sought to maintain the historic and architectural character of the building, in many respects it is also thoroughly modern. Indeed this building is state of the art in a number of respects:
- In terms of ensuring access to people with disabilities, and
- In relation to green building principles and built in energy saving technology.
I believe there is an important symbolism in this: whilst we respect our history, we embrace new ways of doing things in an inclusive and sustainable way.
It gives me great pleasure to sign off on behalf of the Department of Public Works and to hand over the keys of this magnificent building to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.
