Judge Essa Moosa gravely ill at home
MESSAGES of support have continued to pour in for retired Western Cape High Court Judge Essa Moosa who is terminally ill. Moosa, 81, who has been lauded for the role he played in the establishment of the country’s democracy, is at home after his discharge from hospital last week.
He was the founding and executive member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and chaired its Human Rights Committee. He was also a member of the Constitutional Committee of the ANC, which gave logistical support to the party’s negotiation team for the establishment of a democratic South Africa.
Moosa’s fellow Struggle lawyer, Taswell Papier, said: “Our heartfelt thoughts are with the Moosa family, as we remember with gratitude the enormous contribution so selflessly made by Judge Moosa during our years of struggle. Wishing the family peace and strength during this difficult time.”
Moosa practised as an attorney until December 1997 and in 1998 was appointed as a judge of the High Court before retiring in February 2011.
Moosa’s fellow judge and Struggle lawyer, Judge Siraj Desai, said Moosa had never turned away from his door anyone seeking legal advice.
“I went to visit him on Saturday. He was very ill but composed as always. I know him as a colleague, as counsel, but most of all he is a comrade,” said Desai.
Moosa’s fellow comrade and combatant Shirley Gunn said: “He is comfortable at home and is surrounded by friends. His spirit is very strong. I had a brief conversation with him. He held my hand and thanked me for the work I do for our communities.”