Creator
Johann van der Westhuizen, who assisted in drafting South Africa’s constitution, is a retired justice of the Constitutional Court, the founding director of the University of Pretoria’s Centre for Human Rights and a former inspecting judge of Correctional Services. The views expressed are his own
Kris Kristofferson, who died a week ago, was as candid and deep as the lyrics in his country music
In everything he did during apartheid and after 1994 he literally gave his life to his country
The revolutionary and the philosopher held values that have stood true for two millennia This content is restricted to registered users and subscribers. Get Your Free Account The…
The accusation that Bongi Mbonambi directed racist language at an England player reminds us that we should not cheapen the dangers of racism in sport
Capitalism may be democracy’s enemy. Democracy has become a brand name, used by even fascist dictators. We may not abandon it though
The history of our rugby team often runs parallel to that of our conflicted, divided society
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s peace mission to Ukraine and Russia shows what happens when politics sinks to the absurd
Any belief that the legal system is run on corruption is liable to become a self-fulfilling prophecy
Religion is often the business plan of fraudsters who lie effortlessly to their congregants
In a changing world it cannot be business as usual for human rights and democracy thinkers
The example of the Road Accident Fund raises the question of whether the law, as applied by officials, is protecting people
The law around war crimes unrealistically demands necessity, minimum human suffering and honour
When it contaminates every level of a society, becoming part of the economy, legal system, culture and lifestyle, the end is nigh
The courts must be commended for upholding the law, but the Ngcobo report brings a new challenge
Judicial officers swear to administer justice ‘without fear, favour or prejudice’, but must consider the needs of society and what is practically doable
It’s fine to be successful and make a good living, but it is essential that law practitioners display morals and ethics and do what’s best for the client
The public protector does not have to be fit and proper but must be competent and honest
Mere forgiving and forgetting based on a lack of political will, incompetence, laziness, corrupt motives or even universal love, is not on
Two recent rulings by America’s apex court are profoundly troubling
Another dreadful school massacre in the US raises the question: Will Americans ever get to grips with the ghastly phenomenon?
