Chief Justice Raymond Zondo speaks in Cape Town
14th Dullah Omar Memorial Lecture
The invitation to this year's Dullah Omar Memorial Lecture
DOI / HSF
The Dullah Omar Institute and the Faculty of Law at the University of the Western Cape, in collaboration with the Omar Family, honour the late Dullah Omar with a Memorial Lecture on human rights and democracy in his name. Having been a fighter for human rights and democracy, he leaves behind a rich legacy from which many South Africans draw inspiration and guidance, as expressed by the Dullah Omar Institute in its invitation.
In front of a large, diverse audience at the University of the Western Cape and followed by many more online, the Chief Justice delivered the 14th Dullah Omar Lecture, giving a very enlightening, thought-provoking and moving speech.
The Chief Justice engaged with the audience during a Q&A session after his lecture
HSF
What kind of judiciary did Dullah Omar want for South Africa, asked Chief Justice Raymond Zondo: a judiciary which is fearless, not intimidated by anybody, able to make decisions, even if you don’t like them, holding to account the other arms of the state, and a judiciary which never abuses its power.
In his wide-ranging lecture, the Chief Justice also highlighted the need for the judiciary to focus on local government which is absolutely essential to guarantee basic rights that must be respected. Reflecting on the crisis of gender-based violence, he reiterated: our freedom as men is not complete until every woman and every girl can walk the streets in South Africa, at night as well, without fear. What we have been doing is simply not making enough impact. We must continue to try and find solutions. Gender-based violence is a violation of the rule of law.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo during the lecture
HSF
Concluding his lecture, in which he emphasized the need and resolve to secure the independent judiciary in future as well, Chief Justice Zondo stated emphatically that there are many cases where the South African judiciary has upheld the rule of law, and that this country has a good judiciary: am satisfied that, in South Africa, we do have the judiciary that Dullah Omar would have wanted, and that many who fought for our freedom wanted for this country. There is no evidence that the judiciary is captured or not performing its functions according to its oath.
Hanns Bühler, Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation in South Africa
DOI
In his brief remarks, Hanns Bühler, the Hanns Seidel Foundation Representative in South Africa, stated:
We know from our own bitter experience in the past that democracy and the rule of law are not gifts – they need to be won, and they need to be constantly defended. In Germany, South Africa, and all other countries, we can’t discuss human security, investment, growth, jobs, the pursuit of happiness - if we don’t uphold the rule of law. In a democratic society, there is no development without the rule of law. Gaining the trust of our citizens in the institutions responsible for upholding the rule of law is crucial.
German Ambassador to South Africa Andreas Peschke
DOI
In his contribution, the German Ambassador to South Africa Andreas Peschke reflected on historic events in our countries during the years of the Cold War and the struggle against Apartheid, and he spoke of his upbringing in East Germany as well:
This year, South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, Germany marks 35 years since the fall of the Berlin wall. This is a moment in time to reflect on the gift of freedom and the value of the rule of law. They are so precious, so hard fought for, so fragile – and not be taken for granted.
We must defend the rule of law. We must defend freedom. They are under increased pressure by disinformation, by attacks from malign actors around the world, and sometimes by populist politics. I can’t think of democracy without the rule of law.
In case you missed it, find a recording of the Lecture here:
14th Dullah Omar Memorial Lecture
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