Mr Speaker, there are many sorrows in life and indeed one of the greatest sorrows that no one would like to experience is the sorrow of death. It is with great sorrow and sadness that we mourn the death of a truly great world-class impeccable leader born from humble beginnings.
Let me, on behalf of the MF, extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family, legal fraternity and the friends of our beloved former Chief Justice Langa, whose death indeed is a great loss to our country. Undoubtedly he leaves behind a legacy amongst all South Africans and the world, infused with honesty, integrity, dignity and above all, hard work.
His in-depth knowledge, indescribable determination and immeasurable commitment ensured that justice was not preferential but delivered to all fairly, including the minority communities, to make our country a better place for all. He was a great role model and a lesson to young people that it is hard work and commitment that take you forward, not shortcuts.
One of his amazing characteristics was that he put his legal expertise to good use to rid this country of institutional racism and apartheid colonialism. He was a good and competent lawyer who made the painful effort to really achieve, and also a great political activist - not only him, but his entire family as well.
His brother, Ben Langa, was assassinated by an agent of the state, so the agent of the state used the ANC people to kill an ANC person. President Jacob Zuma and Oliver Tambo had to go and explain to the family and apologise for the occurrence. How many people or families would have been able to deal with an issue like this, understand what went wrong, what happened, and not deflect themselves from their commitments, for the greater good of the struggle in the country? This shows a very great depth of character, not only of Chief Justice Langa, but of his entire family.
His work, together with other great gians, in crafting the Constitution was quite visionary. The high-quality judgments that he wrote contributed in setting a firm foundation for the studies in Constitutional Courts which are taught by universities and academics all over the world. He upheld the very dignified decorum of the Constitutional Court and, undoubtedly, commanded great respect. Even after he retired he was still involved in the media tribunal of the SA National Editors Forum, advancing our country to greater heights.
I want so say to his family: We pray that in this time of loss, you'll find God's love much more and that you'll find comfort in the presence of the Lord. We pray that God pours upon you his sweet amazing grace and overflow your hearts with peace as you live in his ambience.
Of the former Chief Justice I say: A great soul serves everyone all the time; a great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again. As all Hindus celebrate Raksha Bandhan today, we pray for a bond of love and security. Let us be reminded of Gandhi Gee who once said that there are no goodbyes for us. Wherever Chief Justice Langa is, you will always be in our hearts. May your soul rest in peace! I thank you.
Debate concluded.
Motion agreed to, members standing.