Judge Sandi was the epitome of judicial uprightness

I WAS deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former judge, Struggle icon and attorney Bonisile Sandi. He was an outstanding and dedicated patriot who served our country with unwavering commitment.

During the various treason and terrorism trials in the early 1980s, Judge Sandi was the lead attorney who saved many cadres from the gallows. He stands out as a giant among those whose contributions have served and continue to serve us in our struggle to build a nation out of scattered hopes and lofty aspirations.

South Africa is bereft of one of its long-standing founding heroes and his passing is a tremendous loss to the national community. Judge Sandi was one of the most courageous and erudite justices that the African continent has produced. We shall miss him.

Our consolation is that he has left indelible imprints and footprints on the sands of time for us to remember him.

His death represents the end of an era of those eminent jurists who sat at the high courts and made indelible marks on the judiciary.

Judge Sandi was a classical, erudite and distinguished jurist. Eloquent, brilliant and with such jurisprudential sagacity of a rare breed, he was an epitome of judicial uprightness. His contributions to our constitutional law and jurisprudence are unrivalled. He provided superb leadership for the legal system, improved the delivery of justice for the people and earned the admiration of his colleagues throughout the judiciary.

He honoured his country with a lifetime of service, this country will honour his memory, he was our Lord Denning.

He was a great mentor and seemingly fixed like the Northern Star. We thank Almighty God for his life and times. May his profound soul rest in perfect peace. Farouk Araie