Concern over ruling outcome
THE South African Friends of Israel (Safi) is appalled by the recent Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) ruling that seeks to censure and silence former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng for remarks expressing his biblical love for Israel, alongside his calls for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The former chief justice’s utterances were legitimate, fair and non-controversial.
They were made in accordance with his deeply held religious beliefs which are protected under the South African Constitution, alongside the Judicial Code which regulates judicial conduct.
This view was affirmed by the minority judgment that completely supported the former chief justice’s appeal and showed that he was not in contravention of the Judicial Code.
Religious beliefs, and the freedom to express them, do not become controversial when a small and radical group of anti-Israel activists deem them to be.
Safi is dismayed that once again, as was the case under apartheid, religious rights are being undermined in our country.
We are concerned that the outcome of this ruling will lead to a chilling effect on any public figure who wishes to show balanced support for peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
This is particularly problematic in a country such as South Africa where the majority of the population is Christian and have ties to the Holy Land.
Safi supports the former chief justice’s expressed view that South Africa should be an example to the world in promoting the importance of negotiation, peace and co-existence.
This view is not, and should not be controversial and does damage to South Africa’s credibility internationally.
Our beloved country has many challenges including poverty, unemployment and economic hardship, and we are denying ourselves the blessing of reaping the benefits of Israel’s outstretched hand of assistance, solutions and innovation.
We stand with former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and his call for peace.
We call on all South Africans to pray for him and the peace of Jerusalem.
PAMENLA NGUBANE
General manager South African Friends of Israel