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On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, I would like to pay tribute and extend good wishes to Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo whose term of office ends today, 14 August 2011.
Chief Justice Ngcobo has served in a distinguished manner as an attorney, advocate, judge of various courts, law lecturer and ultimately as the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa.
In only 18 months in office, Chief Justice Ngcobo played a significant role in developing institutional reforms that seek to define the role and place of the judiciary within the context of judicial independence and separation of powers embodied in our Constitution.
He brought to the position of Chief Justice an outstanding track record in defending the marginalised and in upholding human dignity and human rights, which was gained amongst others through having worked in the legal aid sector defending the vulnerable, in his early years as an attorney.
The conference he hosted last month on access to justice indicated his passion and his belief that the three branches of the State - the executive, judiciary and the legislature - should cooperate in achieving the constitutional right of equality before the law for all including the poor and marginalised.
We agree with Chief Justice Ngcobo that even the poorest of the poor must have access to the courts, they must receive quality justice and that they must attain relief speedily.
While wishing the Chief Justice a restful retirement, we trust that as a patriot who wants only the best for his country, he would not be averse to undertaking national duty if required to do so by the nation.
The Presidency will organize an appropriate farewell to the Chief Justice where the three arms of government can unite in acknowledging his sterling contribution to the country’s jurisprudence and the promotion of human dignity and quality justice for all.