How did Pius Langa actions make a difference?
He has helped organise civic organisations and townships residents’ associations, and has given guidance to youth and recreational clubs. His colourful legal career has been largely at the service of the disadvantaged and oppressed.
How did Pius Langa help build democracy in South Africa?
Langa became a founder member of the Release Mandela Committee in Natal, formed in January 1990 and also served in the Regional and National Reception Committees that were formed to apply pressure on the Apartheid government to release political prisoners.
Why is Pius Langa famous today?
He was a founding member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and a member of the African National Congress Constitutional Committee, where he worked on its draft bill of rights, which later formed part of Chapter Two of the Constitution of South Africa.
When was Pius Langa head of the Constitutional Court?
June 2005
Langa was appointed as a judge to the Constitutional Court in 1994. He became Chief Justice of South Africa in June 2005 and served until his retirement in October 2009. As Chief Justice, he chaired the Judicial Service Commission and the Southern African Judges Commission, a forum of regional chief justices.
What did Pius Langa?
Over the years Justice Langa organised and/or participated in numerous conferences, workshops and seminars on human rights, justice and other constitutional issues and delivered speeches on various related topics in South Africa and in many countries abroad.
What was Pius Langa life growing up?
In his young life he was exposed to the hardships of the pass laws and the “influx control” regulations. His experience with the inner workings of the legal system came in the 1960s when he worked as an interpreter/messenger for the Department of Justice.
What characteristics do you think made Judge Langa a good person to defend the Constitution?
Humility, integrity, wisdom and a wry sense of humour: these are some of the characteristics that come to mind when one thinks of former Chief Justice Pius Langa.
In what way did Pius Langa help other countries?
What can we learn from Pius Langa?
Moosa points out that Langa was only the fourth black person in the then province of Natal to manage it. One of the other main lessons that Langa’s life teaches us, is to think long-term. To look ahead at what will be best for the greatest number of people.