Chief Justice Zondo delivers prestigious O.R. Tambo Public Lecture on Justice, Democracy and the Rule of Law
Submitted by Aretha Linden on Fri, 24/03/2023 - 18:19
Read time: 2 mins
As we continue to commemorate Human Rights Month in March, today, the University of Fort Hare celebrated and honoured the life and times of an astute political icon who fought a great deal in the attainment of freedom in this country, O.R Tambo with a public lecture delivered by the Chief Justice (CJ) of South Africa, Judge Raymond Zondo.
The prestigious lecture presented by the University’s Faculty of Law saw members of the judiciary descending on the Alice Campus’ Sports Complex where the event was held.
In attendance was the family of O.R. Tambo from Mbizana; the Chancellor of the University, Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza SC; the Deputy Chair of Council, Dr Siphokazi Koyana; members of the University Management Executive Committee; the President of Convocation, Advocate Andile Mini and the mayors of Raymond Mhlaba and Buffalo City Metro Municipalities.
Previous keynote speakers for this event include former SA presidents, Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma; current president Cyril Ramaphosa (who was a deputy president at the time) and; former Minister and political activist, Pallo Jordan.
This year’s lecture draws inspiration from the role that the late O.R played in navigating the dichotomy between obeying the (rule of) law and guaranteeing fairness and justice. The event also sought to examine the important contribution on, amongst others, law, justice and democracy, that O.R Tambo made to South Africa, the continent of Africa and the World.
In his address titled, “Oliver Tambo - his values and contributions to justice, democracy and the rule of law” Justice Zondo reminded the audience of the enormous role O.R played in the fight against apartheid and the attainment of freedom for the majority of this country.
“O.R Tambo’s entire adult life was devoted to the elimination of apartheid and the attainment of justice, democracy and the rule of law.”
He also urged the audience to remember the values of O.R and speak out and blow the whistle against unjust and corrupt practices.
This year’s lecture drew inspiration from the role that the late O.R played in navigating the dichotomy between obeying the (rule of) law and guaranteeing fairness and justice. The event also sought to examine the important contribution on, amongst others, law, justice and democracy, that O.R Tambo made to South Africa, the continent of Africa and the World.