Moseneke tells of his journey from ‘convicted terrorist’ to ‘lawyer of unfailing integrity’

20 May 2016 - 15:06 By Penwell Dlamini

Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke has reflected on his great legal achievements and difficult choices he had in his illustrious career.Speaking at his farewell in the Constitutional Court‚ Moseneke said that when he came out of Robben Island‚ he immediately had to make a choice about what he would do with his life.“I knew when I came out of Robin Island that I had to make a choice either to go to exile or remain a combatant in the struggle. I chose to do things the way I know best. To become a a lawyer of unfailing integrity.“I was a convicted terrorist...I litigated against the Law Society to let me in. I went to the Bar Council‚ which had laws which did not allow people like me. There‚ too‚ I kicked the door open. I was very determined to become a spokesperson of our people in difficult time in that troubled past.“I had a privilege of defending [Father] Smangaliso Mkhatshwa‚ Winnie [Madikizela]Mandela‚ Judge [John] Hlophe‚ Thami Mazwai‚ Mathata Tsedu…and numerous trade union formations‚” said Moseneke. – TMG Digital..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.