By Ofentse Mokae
11 November 2009Parliament’s two houses the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces held a joint sitting today to bid farewell to former Chief Justice Pius Langa and to welcome Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo.
The sitting which was called by President Jacob Zuma was attended among others, by members of the Constitutional Court, the Labour Court, the Land Claims Court, the Competition Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of Appeal as well as Judge Presidents from all the divisions.
Justice Langa was one of the first eleven judges appointed by then President Nelson Mandela to serve on the Constitutional Court when it was established.
In his speech Zuma said the occasion was testimony to the high regard in which retiring Chief Justice Pius Langa has held.
Zuma said Langa has been a vital part of the birth and development of constitutional jurisprudence in a democratic South Africa.
“It was because of his commitment and dedication that he was appointed as Chief Justice of the Republic and head of the Constitutional Court in June 2005, taking over from Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson,” Zuma said.
Zuma applauded the exceptional contribution that Justice Langa has made to the Constitutional Court during his tenure as its head.
“Today we are also paying tribute to Justice Langa for the role that he has played in the struggle for democracy in our country, for many years he has been a champion and defender of people’s rights.,” Zuma added.
Langa was a founder member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) and served as its President.
He also participated in the major campaigns of the United Democratic Front, and was part of the Release Mandela Campaign, he was also was deeply involved in the process of negotiating the end of apartheid, participating in the work of CODESA and the Multi-Party Negotiating Forum.
The president also welcomed newly appointment Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo who replaces Langa.
Although the process of his appointment was widely criticised by opposition parties, Zuma told parliament Justice Langa leaves the court in the hands of another capable judge, Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo.
“Justice Ngcobo has an outstanding track record in defending the marginalised and in upholding human dignity and human rights and we wish to take this opportunity to welcome Justice Ngcobo and thank him for taking on this huge responsibility,” Zuma concluded.
