The UDM bids farewell to Chief Justice Langa. During his tenure, the judiciary went through a number of challenges. While Chief Justice Langa may have expected that the duties of office would be a heavy burden, he certainly could not have expected what storms would rage around the judiciary and the Constitutional Court.
Nonetheless, today we can look back on those events and pay tribute to the outgoing Chief Justice's steady hand and steadfast principles. If it had not been for his quiet determination and subtle approach, we may well have stood here today lamenting the destruction of the judiciary. Thank you, sir. Calmness under duress is not a function of skill or intelligence, but rather springs directly from character. We have been fortunate that in these trying times the Bench has been led by a man of character.
Still, damage was done to the credibility of the judiciary and certain aspects of past fiascos are yet to be resolved. These issues will now be inherited by incoming Chief Justice Ngcobo.
The UDM welcomes the new Chief Justice. His credentials as a South African and jurist are impeccable. We wish him well and we are confident that he is thoroughly aware of the difficult path that lies before the judiciary. It is now his responsibility to lead the judiciary down that path. He will require every ounce of the courage, leadership and wisdom that he demonstrated earlier in his life.
Sepela gabotse, Chief Justice Langa. Re go t?olela mongatse. Re go amogela ka matsogo a mabedi, Mopresidente wa Kgorotsheko ya Molaotheo Ngcobo. Ke a leboga. [Go well, Chief Justice Langa. We honour you. We welcome you with open arms, Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Ngcobo. Thank you.]