MANUEL APOLOGISES FOR COMMENT ABOUT JUDGE

OLD MUTUAL chairperson Trevor Manuel yesterday unreservedly apologised for his “a single individual who happens to wear a robe” comment about South Gauteng High Court Judge Brian Mashile. The comment, uttered in the heat of the legal battle between the financial services group and its chief executive, Peter Moyo, drew widespread criticism against Manuel, previously viewed as a paragon of democractic principle, a respected statesman and economics guru. Manuel retracted the comment when pressed, but the damage had been done. He said yesterday: “My unguarded observation, although withdrawn, has understandably caused discomfort for which I apologise unreservedly, to the honourable judge presiding and to my fellow South Africans. It was never my intention to show disrespect to the learned judge or his judgment. I accept that my language was wholly inappropriate to express my disagreement with the decision and sincerely regret the manner in which

I did so. My respect for the judiciary is unshaken and rooted in our sound legal process where all voices are heard with remedies available to address differences of legal position. I support the board of Old Mutual’s efforts to make full use of the appeal process available to Old Mutual to state its case before the full court of the Gauteng Local Division of the High Court. I remain fully committed to the integrity of the judiciary, and to the constitutional value of the independence of our judiciary.” | Staff Reporter