Judge Albie Sachs visits Zululand

FORMER lawyer, writer, freedom fighter and retired Constitutional Court judge, Albie Sachs, visited the University of Zululand last week for the screening of his documentary film.

This provided the institution’s law students with a golden opportunity to interact with Sachs and gain insight into the country’s democracy and constitution.

‘Soft Vengeance: Albie Sachs and the New South Africa’ is an award-winning film about his life and is being screened in universities across the country.

Sachs shared his thoughts on the country’s current political dispensation and his optimism in the ‘born free’ generation.

‘Born frees are not oblivious to the struggle faced by anti-apartheid fighters. There may be a disconnection between those who faced the long years of struggle and the born frees, but I find it fantastic that we have a generation with freedom of opinion,’ he said.

‘The constitution has given people choice; it is a plus, not a source of dismay.

‘Born frees are challenging, sharp and inquisitive as we were. I watch with interest how this will transcend onto our current political sphere.’ said Sachs.

Proud of the democracy our country has, he said he feels the people of the land do not maximise their freedom.

‘Many people do not vote. There are plenty who complain, but very few who get involved to bring about change. Our society does not take full advantage of our democracy,’ he told the Zululand Observer.

‘We are survivors of change and are proud to have a strongly entrenched constitution.

‘We are proud to have a system where Presidents have to step down after two terms and proud of our strong judiciary which guards our constitution.

‘It is encouraging that South Africans debate seriously and deeply on what is going on in our land, people are voting regularly and we have media that is alive and challenging.

‘The institution of the constitution is firmly planted and meaningful in our society,’Sachs said.