By Zoleka Qodashe

This follows a function last night to celebrate Zondo’s 27-year career in the judiciary.

The head of the judiciary is set to retire at the end of this month.

As law experts reflected on Zondo’s career, his time as the Chairperson of the State Capture Commission was highlighted as the hallmark of his career.

Addressing guests, Zondo described the four years of the commission as challenging. But he emphasised the significance of the role of the public in ensuring that those responsible for State Capture were held accountable.

“Of course, greater challenges lay ahead of me when I was chairperson of the commission. I will be eternally grateful for the support … the support we received from the general public of SA through very difficult times.

“That support kept us going even when it was very dark. Because wherever I [went] I always met people who said thank you for the job you are doing for the country. That for me was such a motivation that we could not let the people of South Africa down,” added Zondo.

Retired Chief Justice and friend to the outgoing Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng sought to dispel misconceptions that he propelled Zondo’s career when he asked him to Chair the State Capture Commission.

Zondo led the Commission after its establishment in 2018 following the recommendation by then Public Protector, Professor Thuli Madonsela.

The Commission was tasked with probing allegations of State Capture during the tenure of former President, Jacob Zuma as Head of State.

Addressing guests at Zondo’s farewell, Mogoeng said he had reached out to several judicial officers to no avail.

“It was not a favour. No. I did nothing to facilitate this man’s upward mobility, he worked his way up. Made all of us who are privileged to have or to assume positions of responsibility not sit down comfortably and hoping that the position will make you what you have never been. You have got to define a position of leadership that you occupy. It will never improve you, no. You’ve got to come and… and revolutionise the institution in which you find yourself.”

This chapter would be challenging for the then Chairperson of the Commission and his staff. However, financial constraints and multiple threats would not hinder Zondo in his pursuit to unearth the rot that shook the foundations of SA’s constitutional democracy.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Thembi Simelane praised Zondo for leading the Commission as the country tried to uphold the rule of law.

“This was a task which you undertook with dignity, with fairness and with integrity… (applause)… the work of what is now known as the Zondo Commission remains an integral part of our efforts to rebuild our country in the wake of one of the most shameful periods in our democratic history. The Zondo Commission was an affirmation of our constitutional order, the rule of law and the strength of our institutions.”

An emotional Zondo briefly reflected on this period and emphasised the role of the public in ensuring that those responsible for State Capture were held accountable.

“Of course, greater challenges lay ahead of me when I was chairperson of the commission. I will be eternally grateful for the support…..the support we received from the general public of SA through very difficult times. That support kept us going even when it was very dark because wherever I met I always met people who said thank you for the job you are doing for the country and that for me was such a motivation that we could not let the people of SA down.

--SABC--