Cape Town - Public Protector Thuli Madonsela made an impassioned case for the rule of law in South Africa as the keynote speaker of the fifth annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture on Wednesday night.
Madonsela address, entitled “Democracy and Peace: what’s law got to do with it”, was delivered at UWC as Tutu celebrated his 84th birthday on Thursday.
Madonsela’s speech was briefly interrupted by group called Black First Land First who questioned her about an investigation by her office. The group of about 20 was quickly ushered out of the hall and a seemingly undeterred Madonsela resumed.
undefined“The law can be a healing and transformative force that fosters peace in a democratic society and global community, by promoting more justice, human solidarity and accountability.'
She said the best way to honour Tutu would be to respect accountability institutions. “This includes ensuring faithful implementation and compliance with the letter and spirit of the constitution and the transformative laws we have domestically.'
Tutu, making a rare public appearance since his illness, sat on the stage flanked by his daughter, Reverend Canon Mpho, and Madonsela.
“The office of the public protector is not a political party, it is an institution to protect all of us… there is no better candidate to hold such an institution,” Mpho said.
UWC rector Professor Tyrone Pretorius said they were delighted to have Tutu back at the campus, adding that the biggest challenge in South Africa was a lack of moral leadership.
“It is important for those that are at the helm to have moral standing and credibility to fight corruption.”
Cape Argus