Photo: AP

South Africans need to be made more aware of aspects of the law and justice to appreciate democracy, President Jacob Zuma said at the funeral of KZN Chief Justice Herbert Msimang.

South Africans need to be made more aware of aspects of the law and justice to appreciate democracy, President Jacob Zuma said on Saturday.

He was speaking at the funeral of KwaZulu-Natal Chief Justice Herbert Msimang, at Hilton College near Pietermaritzburg.

“We need to raise awareness about key judicial concepts, about people being innocent until found guilty *1, the need to listen to both sides *2 of a dispute and the right to appeal,” he said.

Delivering the eulogy, Zuma referred to the impact of rumour and trial by media.

He also called on all media to “extend knowledge about our judicial system far and wide”.

Zuma and other speakers praised Judge Msimang for his efforts to give ordinary people greater access to the judiciary, and his work on transformation.

The President also acknowledged Msimang's innovation towards ridding the courts of backlogs.

The late Judge threw out Zuma's corruption case in 2006, saying the States case “went from one disaster to another” and failed to follow proper guidelines.

Also in attendance were Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, his predecessor Pius Langa, Msimangs predecessor, Vuka Tshabalala, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Jeff Radebe, KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize and Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille.

Sapa

*1       The law says that one is presumed innocent until found guilty.

That does not imply that one is innocent.

This one is not innocent.


*2      Okay, we want to listen to your side, in court.

In front of a fair and competent judge, black or white, man or woman, with all the rights that an accused can have.

Along with your good mate Pierre Moynot sitting alongside you in the accuseds' box.

That's law and justice.