Madam Speaker
Honourable members
Nomination of Jugde Narotem Patel
We have noted media reports about the results of the deliberations of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) regarding the selection of the Judge President of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). We await the President’s decision so that the recommended judge can be congratulated.
Whilst we do not speak on behalf of the JSC, it is disconcerting to read inaccurate media reports emanating from an open interviewing process of candidates.
Having had a privilege of sitting in those interviews – I am of the view that media reports that characterises Judge Madondo as anti Indian are unfortunate and unwarranted.
Some reporters, analysts, commentators and so called sources put words that were never uttered in those interviews. Other reporters have suggested that as the premier, I supported Judge Madondo implying that I had opposed the nomination of Judge Patel.
I want to put it on record that I believe that KwaZulu-Natal has some of the finest judiciary minds that we have in the country and all of them enjoy our full support and confidence.
It is a matter of public record that Judge Patel took over and stepped into the huge boots of the giant – departed Judge President Msiming who left a void in his sudden departure when so much was still expected of him.
It is our view that Judge Patel is a fine jurist and a respected legal practitioner who has done a good job leading the KZN bench. Similarly, Judge Madondo has done remarkable work in the judiciary service.
If Judge Patel were selected as reports indicate, it will be more because of the recognition of his capacity to lead and ability as a judge. His race characterisation will be secondary. This principle, we will strongly support as much as demographics representation of Judge President as well as transformation of the bench are important principles.
We need to discourage any attempt by the media, analysts or members of the public from making any statements that seeks to divide the bench. So far, we believe that the judges we have need everybody’s support.
On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Government, we want to pledge our support to the Acting Judge President Narotem Patel and the whole judiciary as they work tirelessly to ensure access to justice.
Birthday of Oliver Reginald Tambo.
Today is a very important day for the people of South Africa and indeed the world. We celebrate the birthday of a gallant fighter, who dedicated his life to fighting injustice and inequality.
Former President of the African National Congress (ANC), Oliver Reginald (OR) Tambo would have turned 94 today.
He is credited for leading the people’s movement for more than 30 years under difficult conditions.
Despite the brutal nature of the apartheid system, which forced ANC cadres to go underground, OR Tambo ensured the growth of the people’s movement by mobilising all progressive forces and the people of South Africa to unite behind a common goal of liberating the masses from the jaws of the apartheid machinery.
As we celebrate his birthday today, we owe him a debt of gratitude for his selfless dedication to fighting equality, not only for his people, but for the people all over the African continent.
He remains an inspiration to us and we will forever draw strength from his wisdom.
As a tribute to OR Tambo, and all the leaders who have led us to this promised land of freedom, justice and equality, I would like to urge members of this House to find a way to participate in next year’s Centenary Celebrations of the African National Congress.
The centenary is not only a milestone achievement of the ANC, as a liberation movement but should seek to celebrate our proud traditions, values and principles that earned this country and many more other leaders from South Africa respect all over the world.
It should reflect the South Africa in all its facets and dimensions, for example, multiparty system, political tolerance, freedom of religion and more importantly, our Rainbow Nation.
These celebrations must be used to highlight critical role played by the forebears of democracy and these includes - Mahatma Gandhi, Monty Naicker, Yusuf Dadoo and many others who participated at different levels of society, in fighting for the rights of all South Africans.
Also, OR Tambo was one of the leaders who inspired the formation of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in 1975. Many other parties exist today because of the influence of the OR and the ANC he led with distinction.
Therefore, Madam Speaker, the centenary celebrations should be a platform to unite all the people of this country irrespective of political parties they belong to.
Congratulations to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
Honourable members, I want to take this opportunity and congratulate the President of the IFP, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi following the receipt of the Leadership Award from the Nigerian Christian movement, the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star.
However, we disagree with him when he suggests that the ANC is responsible for the tension in the country as it was it reported in the media today.
The poverty, unemployment and other social ills that have plagued our country have been inherited from the apartheid regime.
However as the government of the day we are working tirelessly to create a better life for all.
I thank you.
Enquires:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Spokesperson for the Premier
Cell: 082 375 4742
Regi Khumalo
Media Liaison Desk for the Premier
Cell: 079 751 6108
Province
