Chaskalson fought the good fight

03 December 2012 - 02:02 By DENISE WILLIAMS
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Former chief justice Arthur Chaskalson's contributions as a human rights activist and struggle icon have been fondly remembered following his death at the weekend.

Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven said Chaskalson, the first judge president of the Constitutional Court, spent his life in the service of South Africans.

"He will always be remembered and honoured as one of the key role-players in the construction of our world-renowned constitutional dispensation, and for his leadership in the Constitutional Court, which has consistently protected and extended our democratic rights," said Craven.

Chaskalson, 81, died on Friday after battling leukaemia.

Craven said the country owed it to Chaskalson to make sure the democracy he helped achieve was never undermined.

DA leader Helen Zille said Chaskalson was one of the giants of the apartheid struggle and his contribution to the country's freedom was immeasurable.

"South Africa is immensely enriched by the service he gave to our people and their struggles against oppression. Our deepest condolences to his family and all those who knew him," said Zille.

Chaskalson's contributions include being part of the defence team at the Rivonia Trial and establishing the Legal Resource Centre in 1978, and being active there until 1993. President Nelson Mandela appointed him president of the Constitutional Court in 1994. He held the position of chief justice until 2005.

President Jacob Zuma has extended the honour of a special official funeral to Chaskalson. The funeral will take place at Westpark Cemetery in Johannesburg today. - Additional reporting by Sapa

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