Deputy judge disappointed at Madonsela

DEPUTY judge president Aubrey Ledwaba has expressed disappointment at not seeing outgoing public protector Thuli Mandonsela’s application to become a judge in Gauteng.

Ledwaba was speaking at the inaugural Truth and Justice Awards dinner hosted by the Law Society of South Africa in Pretoria last night

The event recognised Madonsela and her efforts to fight corruption and injustice perpetrated by government officials. Madonsela has served as the country’s public protector for the past seven years and is due to vacate her office next month.

Ledwaba said Gauteng judiciary had been looking to hire six more judges and that 13 people have already been shortlisted and that he had hoped Madonsela would have been one of them.

“I’m so disappointed because I had thought that she would apply to be one of the judges because she had done well as the public protector. Her office has a role to ensure good governance and to instil trust in the society. People now have trust in her office,” Ledwaba said.

“I would have loved her to join us. Maybe she will when the right time comes. She is very courageous and would have been one of the best candidates to join us. Thuli is the best asset for this country.”

Lutendo Sigogo, president of Black Lawyers Association, applauded Madonsela for showing courage during difficult times and for showing good leadership.

“You have done the dirty work and the person that will replace [you] will find a better and peaceful environment to work in and not fear being intimidated by politicians,” Sigogo said.

Mandonsela, who has collected over 30 awards in her tenure, dedicated the award to her team in her office.

“It has been a journey of a team and although I have been collecting awards, I hope this one will re-energise the team,” she said. “I’m leaving behind a purpose-driven team that has shared values. I feel sad …”

She added that the Law Society has been supporting her when questions were raised about her credibility.

“I’m humbled by the encouraging words and the fact that they are coming from a collective of the finest legal minds. You have cheered us in the darkest of times.”

She encouraged young lawyers to join her team.