IF there’s one thing I learn’t from the outgoing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, is respect.
Last night at his farewell dinner held at Melrose Arch, attended by luminaries and colleagues within the law sector, he made special mentions on his upbringing in KwaZulu-Natal, people who played a meaningful role in his life, and the contribution they played to who he is today, and his family that did not see much of him due to country’s call, especially the much talked about Zondo Commission.
Looking dapper, filled with smile, and favourite ‘You raise me Up’ song by Josh Groban, playing in the background, as he ascended to the address his ‘friends’ and the country, CJ Zondo thanked everyone who helped him in this arduous journey, making a reference to the lyrics of the song, that formed much of his speech.
“As a youngster from Ixopo, where my family resided, I used to take what was then called ‘10-10’ train from my home to varsity, because it would depart from the station by 10:10pm and arrive around 6am, unfailingly,” he told his guests.
“Coming from a poor background, I was helped by principals from the schools I attended, who saw the potential in me, sometimes having to borrow R300 to register of which I did not have but nevertheless, I was made it to varsity for registration. It was hard but I persevered, hence my name ‘mnyamezeli’”
“I was helped, carried by the likes of Mxenge family (were in attendance), whom the wife afforded the chance to join the law firm, and from then, I rose within the ranks. Hence this evening I want to tell you and the whole of SA, I will lend my support to the JC designate Mandisa Maya, whom we’ve created a healthy working relationship and other colleagues,” noted CJ Zondo, who also emphasised transformation must take shape.
CJ designate Maya also praised outgoing Chief Justice Zondo for his support and commitment to ensuring women are represented in the judiciary.
“Thank you for supporting women in the judiciary and ensuring that they, too, get a chance at the driver’s seat of the institution.
“In your short two years as Chief Justice, an institution that managed to have only one woman appointed as a judge president in 27 years suddenly gained two woman judges president, more women deputy judges president a woman deputy chief justice and now, in two weeks, a woman Chief Justice.”
President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa, experienced eye infection hence he could not attend, but instead delegated newly installed minister of Justice, Thembi Simelane, who gave an address.
‘Umngani wam’ a dear friend- CJ Zondo in reference to former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, also gave a resounding speech, saying how Zondo’s “heart was always in the right place”.
In the apparent reference to what’s now been found to have been an improper attempt on the part of former Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe to influence two Constitutional Court justices in a case involving former President Jacob Zuma, Mogoeng on Tuesday night recalled how Zondo had warned it was going to “hurt the judiciary”.
He further recalled a meeting at the Labour Court, which Chief Justice Raymond Zondo was heading up at the time, where they reflected on “some kind of agreement or mediating”.
Mogoeng said he later approached the then Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice with a view to address the issue without bringing the judiciary into disrepute.
He said, even though, they “didn’t succeed”, efforts were made to reach out to Hlophe but to no avail.
Various Judge speakers also thanked his family for understanding the situation CJ Zondo faced, not only them, but the entire SA and the world.
“Now, that I’ve retired I will spend the next twelve-months with my wife and family,” pointed Zondo, breaming with a broad-smile, without indicating if he’ll be open for consultations, should that opportunity arise.
Other notables guests included former deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and wife, former PP Thuli Madonsele, and current Kholeka Gcaleka, adv Zola Majavu, Judge Pres Molemela, former Justice Chief, Arthur Chaskalson, and others.
Zondo leaves the bench after 27 years of service to the judiciary.
The Constitutional Court is due to hold a special ceremonial sitting for him on Wednesday morning.
Image (Retired CJ Raymond Zondo, recorded giving a speech at farewell dinner on Tuesday evening, at Melrose Arch).
