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President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that South Africa was poorer without Bizos.
FILE: Veteran human rights attorney George Bizos passed away on September 9, aged 92. Image: EWN
JOHANNESBURG – Relatives, close friends and associates of the late George Bizos continued to honor him with fond memories after the veteran human rights lawyer passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.
In one of his many interviews with Eyewitness newsBizos was clear that he never wanted to be a politician.
“They offered me a political job and I didn’t want it. They offered me a judicial job and I didn’t want it. And we have a good history of a strong judiciary, ”he said.
• Obituary: George Bizos – Defender of human rights and legal power
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday that South Africa was poorer without Bizos.
The president said that the renowned human rights lawyer played a vital role in drafting the South African Constitution.
“This is sad news for all of us as South Africans. George Bizos contributed immensely to the achievement of our democracy. He worked closely with Nelson Mandela, Arthur Chaskalson, and many others. He had an incisive legal mind and was one of the architects of our Constitution, ”Ramaphosa said.
LOOK: George Bizos was one of the architects of our constitution – Ramaphosa
NEVER SHORT OF STORIES TO TELL
For legal giants like Advocate Dali Mpofu, Bizos was more than a mentor.
Mpofu, who often worked with the anti-apartheid crusader, remembered him for his relentless strength.
The two were introduced during Mpofu’s early days in the legal field and he said that Bizos is never short of stories to tell.
“When I was an article clerk in the mid-80’s and he did the Delmas trial, I was working for one of the investigating attorneys … so I used to have the pleasure of driving with him from Joburg to Delmas and listening to everyone. their stories, ”said Mpofu.
Mpofu described Bizos as a pillar of strength and an insightful thinker.
The legal power led the legal team of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) in the investigation into the 2012 Marikana massacre.
Mpofu said that Bizos wanted justice to be served for the miners and their families.
“The last time I worked with him was, of course, at the Marikana Commission, where we were there almost daily for several years. Obviously, he was a pillar for all of us who were involved in that matter … we got a lot of strength from him, ”he said.
Mpofu, a gentle giant and human rights advocate, said he drew critical life and professional lessons from Bizos.
LISTEN: Paying Tribute to a Giant – George Bizos’ Obituary
DESINTERNATIVE CONTRIBUTION TO SA
At the same time, many others also recalled Bizos’ selfless contribution to this country.
ANC spokesman Pule Mabe said that Bizos practiced his legal profession to ensure justice for political and freedom fighters.
“In 1996, attorney George Bizos represented Comrade Chris Hani, Steve Biko, [and] Fort Calata against the State that requested amnesty for its atrocious acts, ”said Mabe.
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa said he had the honor of spending time with Bizos and former President Nelson Mandela.
#GeorgeBizos it is no longer. My condolences for his family, friends and Nelson Mandela family. What an entrance! From the Rivonia trial to the Marikana massacre. I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions, the most privileged was when I had lunch with him, Madiba & Nardima RIP
– Bantu Holomisa (@BantuHolomisa) September 9, 2020
EFF spokeswoman Delisile Ngwenya said the Red Berets remembered Bizos for taking a stand against the apartheid government and defending the late heroine of the struggle Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
“Even when the UDF issued a statement that no lawyer should act on behalf of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela with regard to the allegations of kidnapping and assault against her, it was Bizos who disagreed and went on to consult with her because her conscience The revolutionary could not accept the injustice inflicted against her, ”said Ngwenya.
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