Poland in South Africa

Photo, from the left side: Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Mogoeng Mogoeng, Ambasador Andrzej Kanthak and Joy Tebogo Ngoma

The lecture of the Nelson Mandela Foundation has been organized continuosly for the last eighteen years and is the most momentous event in the public debate domain in the Republic of South Africa and on the African continent.  Last year, the lecture was presented by Barack Obama and earlier by, among others, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Thabo Mbeki, Bill Clinton, Kofi Annan and Bill Gates.

This year, for the first time in thirteen years, the speaker was a South African citizen - enjoying unquestionable authority and trust - the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Mogoeng Mogoeng.

In his speech, Judge Mogoeng emphasized the importance of the South African Constitution as an effective catalyst of transformation and building a society free from tribal systems, ethnic identity, racism, discrimination, corruption and gender-based violence.

Most of the problems which South Africa grapples with today, is – in his opinion – a direct consequence of colonialism and apartheid.  South African society remains contaminated by racism because it has not properly settled the issue of the previous system.

The Judge expressed his concern over the growing tendency to insult, deride, dehumanize and even attack those whose opinions differ from ours, despite the fact that the constitution gives everyone the right to think and express their opinions in a free and unfettered way.

He appealed to all inhabitants of South Africa to actively overcome the injustice resulting from the past and to engage in creating a society in the form stipulated by the constitution, which is the codification of the most important hopes and expectations.  The Judge also emphasized that the power of the government comes from the people through the constitution; the people speak through the constitution” – he pointed out.

The Judge’s appreciation and gratitude for the Constitutional Tribunal was noteworthy, as the institution had proved to be a true and indomitable custodian of the constitution and the rights it stipulates.

The words of Judge Mogoeng were received with great enthusiasm and understanding. They are especially important at the time when the constitution is attacked by some political factions which demand the introduction of changes and new resolutions.

During the celebratory dinner, Ambassador Andrzej Kanthak had an occasion to develop a conversation on the role of the constitution as the tool for building the society, and first of all, to share with Judge Mogoeng his knowledge of the Polish transformation of the system, including the delayed reform of the judiciary.  The Judge showed a great interest in our experiences and especially the factors and actions which put Poland on the path of the impressive economic growth.

Photos: Nelson Mandela Foundation