Law Society remembers Madala

2010-08-27 17:00

Johannesburg - The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) has paid tribute to former Constitutional Court Judge Tholie Madala, who died on Wednesday after a long career in the legal profession and judiciary.

In a statement on Friday, the LSSA said that following his years as an attorney, advocate and as one of the first black lawyers to be appointed a judge, Madala was always available to engage with lawyers, reminding them of the crucial importance of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

Madala, who was appointed to the highest court in the land by former President Nelson Mandela, and who retired in 2008, had also often stressed the duty of attorneys to assist indigent people to access housing, employment, healthcare and protection from abuse.

Moment of silence

"His prominent role in the training and development particularly of black lawyers through his long-term service as a trustee of the Black Lawyers' Association legal education centre cannot be underestimated," LSSA co-chairmen Max Boqwana and Peter Horn said in a statement.

"We lower our flag in his honour and extend our heartfelt condolences on behalf of the attorneys' profession to Justice Madala's family, children and grandchildren," they said.

The General Council of the Bar (GCB) said it was saddened by Madala's death.

"Justice Madala will be missed and the GCB extends its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and friends."

The Constitutional Court held a moment's silence ahead of a hearing on Thursday in honour of Madala.

- SAPA