Dear Editor,
The fact that the Chief Justice elect comes from the grassroots of our nation is the primary asset that will transform the judiciary, promote access to justice for the poor of this country and help to reduce the crime rate.
There are far too many academic opinions filtering into Africa from Western minds and as it is today, it is obvious that these positions have been more theoretical than helpful.
Any Judge who is in the constitutional court should be able to lead it. If Mogoeng was not disqualified in the first place to be a Constitutional Court Judge, it is spurious argument, mere politicking and sentimental to postulate that he is incapable of leading the Judiciary.
Having proved that he has no relationship with President Jacob Zuma, CJ elect brings something special to the table that must not be ignored. His grassroots upbringing, the transformation of the Judiciary which he initiated while in Mafeking makes him the voice of the voiceless and the one who carries the hope of the marginalised poor of South Africa Society.
The other challenging issue in this debate is that the gay and lesbian community seems to have concluded that anyone who sits in public office must sympathise with their course and must be approved by them. It is not enough for the person to uphold constitutional rights but such a fellow must either be from their camp or have publicly expressed an unreserved sympathy for their course. Where does that leave or lead the other South Africans who do not want gays and lesbians hurt but also do not want their values superimposed on the society.
All the political parties opposing this nomination must know that collectively they still do not represent the majority.
President Zuma has made a choice based on his philosophy that development and transformation must be visible at the grassroots and a wide majority of South Africans support this decision.
Sylvia van der Veen
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Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
