Our view: Let’s take a cue from the retired deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke
I was touched by the gesture demonstrated by returned former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke when he presided over the Life Esidimeni Commission that told millions of people about the atrocities done to mentally disabled patients.
It did not take him long to complete the probe, call in the relevant witnesses and expose the rot within that has cost the lives of poor innocent souls.
Moseneke demonstrated that the millions of billions of rand wasted on the numerous unending commissions of inquiry are time-buying tactics meant to be a feeder scheme for the legal fraternity with little or no positive outcome to resolve matters at hand.
In other inquiries, unending legal debates and interpretation of statutes and so forth milk the public purse dry.
Moseneke nailed it, and in his report and recommendations justified all affected parties and returned dignity to the victims, some of whose families neglected them, but since the probe was in session, brought them closer.
Some, known to yours truly, used to assault their mentally challenged family members and went to the extent of disowning them.
That’s not the case now, after Moseneke recommended that each victim’s family be compensated with R1,2 million. Those abusers and haters shed crocodile tears during the proceedings and aggravated the scenario – although it served for a good purpose this time; for justice to run its course – I’m afraid that sooner or later, they will be causing chaos in their respective homes, grappling for control of that compensation fund.
All hell will break loose for control of the funds and more conflicts within respective families are in the offing. In the final end, the illustrious job by Moseneke will be rendered futile.
He is one among many who has demonstrated his true humanity in his legal career. He was imprisoned on Robben Island at age 15 and later studied law, thus representing political trialists and prisoners free of charge. He has demonstrated humanity once again in his pension years by donating his Life Esidimeni Commission fee to law schools to benefit underprivileged students.
He’s leaving a legacy for others to follow. In whatever career you’re in, sacrifice for the underprivileged. You won’t regret the returns you will receive directly and indirectly.
Let’s take a cue from the retired deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke, and give hope to the hopeless.
