A Closer Look African Law Review - A tribute to the flames of democracy: BLA-LEC
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African Law Review VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 3 • 2018 A Closer Look Customary marriage in practice In depth: The Prevention of Organised Crime Act Corporal punishment To spank or not to spank? Drunk drivers BEWARE A tribute to the flames of democracy:
v e r t i s e Ad s w i t h u r t i se t oa d v e o u l i ke Would y any in the o u r c o mp w? y w R e v i e r i c a n La or your A f lored to c at e r f . r at e s are tai e n t i t y or firm rdable usiness Our affo dium or large b e small, m card: Our rate Rate Size R20 000 e Full Pag R10 000 e Half Pag r i s a p l a tform fo s to on er t e r l y p ublicati d business lead r This qua olicy makers an portance. ,p im lawyers ues of national r e aches: i s s z i n e debate t i o n the ma ga dist r i b u Through iary • Judic rsities • Unive nment • Gover ms fir • Legal c i a l entities e r • Comm untries co • SADC ct: e r t is in g conta For adv zi 4 ni Mbed 403 081 Fhumula 3 0802 Fax: 011 40 Tel: 011 African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
C ON TE N TS PA GE 3 23 Volume 1 � Issue 3 African 4 Editorial note Law BLA-LEC BUZZ 5 Chair’s word The preamble to the Constitution Review 6 Legal training BLA DESK 8 BLA-History: 2nd series By Deputy Judge President Phineas Mojapelo Physical Address 10 The BLA, out and about BLA-Legal Education Centre 1st Floor, Kingsmead Building The Oval Office Park IN DEPTH Cnr Sloane and Meadowbrook Lane 12 The land reform agenda Bryanston, 2021 By Sphesihle Nxumalo Postal Address 15 Prevention of Organised Crime Act P.O. Box. 70557 By Justice Legoabe Willie Seriti Bryanston 18 Prescribed debt 2021 By Adv. Fhumulani Mbedzi Views expressed in the ALR do not necessarily 20 Decolonising South Africa represent the views of the BLA-LEC or the Black By retired Judge Albie Sachs Lawyers Association. Acceptance of material 23 Understanding customary marriages for publication is not a guarantee that it will in By Inkosi Sipho Mahlangu fact be included in a particular issue since the depends on the space available. Views and 26 Protect your intellectual property opinions of this journal are, unless otherwise By Ursuley Matjeke stated those of the authors. Editorial opinion or comment is, unless otherwise stated, that LEGAL EXCELLENCE of the editor and publication thereof does not indicate the agreement of the BLA-LEC, unless 28 Pioneering Heads of Court so stated. Contributions may be edited for clarity, space and/or language. The appearance LAW REPORT of an advertisement in this publication does not 32 The Transkei Marriage Act necessarily indicate approval by the BLA-LEC for the product or service advertised. By Adv. Gugu Nkosi ____________________ OPINION Editorial Collective 34 Drunk driving proposed law Retired Judge President HMT Musi (Convenor) Mpho Sithole (Editor) By Howard Dembovsky Andisiwe Sigonyela (Acting Director) 37 Corporal punishment Fhumulani Mbedzi (Researcher) By Andre Lewaks and Suleiman Henry Thandi Bees (Librarian) TRIBUTES Letters to the editor 39 Bantu Stephen Biko: A symbol beyond his lifetime Email:mpho@blalec.co.za By Nkosinathi Biko Distribution and subscription 41 Justice Tholakele Hope Madala Fhumulani Mbedzi By Adv. Dumisa Ntsebeza SC Tel: 011 403 0802 Fax: 011 403 0814 Email:fhumulani@blalec.co.za IN THE NEWS Publisher and Distributer 43 South Africa’s new NDPP BLA-LEC By BLA-LEC desk © Copyright
4 ED I T O RI AL N O T E 2018, what a year! So many events shook the year into transformation and action. one direction. Besides that, the year Most of those events revolved 2018 came with a list of achievements around aspects of the South African among them is the Black Lawyers Constitution - the highest law in the Association – Legal Education Centre land. (BLA-LEC) training close to 2000 legal In Issue 3 of the African Law professionals this year. Review, sections of the country’s Constitution come under focus. The Constitution serves as the foundation for The a democratic country, free of oppression and discrimination. In accordance with Constitution the Bill of Rights, every South African serves as the citizen has the inalienable right to life, foundation for a Mpho Sithole, Editor equality, human dignity and privacy. Signed into law by former President democratic country, become a defining moment in the Nelson Mandela in Sharpeville on free of oppression history of our constitutional democracy, marking the first amendment of the bill 10 December 1996, the Constitution and discrimination. of rights. become operational on 4 February 1997. It was a triumphant occasion but a long Customary marriages got the walk to an inclusive Constitution. It had We cannot ignore momentous country talking, especially following been amended 17 times thereafter. changes like the appointment of a the death of rapper Robert Tsambo Each new change aimed to new head of the National Prosecuting known as HHP. Within this issue the deepen democracy and strengthen the Authority, Advocate Shamila Batohi national house of traditional leaders independence of the judiciary. who’s tasked with restoring public gives guidelines on the application of Prior to this significant day, South confidence in the criminal justice customary law under the guide of the Africa had several other constitutions; system. constitution. the 1910 Constitution granted the This is also the year, President Cyril As the festive season is upon country independence from Britain, Ramaphosa announced a decision to us, irrespective of your levels of the 1961 Constitution declared the amend the Constitution to expropriate intoxication, yes drunken driver you too country a republic and the 1983 land without compensation following a have rights as explained in the article Constitution established a tri-cameral series of nationwide hearings. The land No provision for drunken driving jail parliament. As important as they issue will continue to be a hot topic, so time by Howard Dembovsky. On that were, the Constitutions ignored the hot that US President Donald Trump tipsy note, as we all head out in different everyday rights of black South Africans, startled South Africans on August 23 destinations to say Happppppyyyyyy, barring them from voting and political – with a tweet that he had instructed The celebrated South African participation. his secretary of state to investigate the constitution provides a lovely closing In an article by retired Judge Albie country. Without any proof to the claim, remark; Sachs, Decolonizing South Africa he Trump deliberately became a victim of explains that the key struggle within fake news claiming the South African May God protect our people. the constitution-making process was government had started seizing land Nkosi Sikelel’iAfrika. to ensure that it would be made by a from white farmers. The land debate Morena boluka setjhaba sa heso. Constitutional Assembly chosen by is broadened in an opinion piece by God seën Suid-Afrika. the whole nation on a one person one Attorney Sphesihle Nxumalo, who Mudzimu fhatushedza Afurika. vote basis instead of self-appointed questions the Constitutionality of the Hosi katekisa Africa negotiators under apartheid conditions. land reform agenda. The South African As the year comes to a close, we’re Constitution has been hailed as one of all fatigued more especially as the cost the most progressive in the world. If of living seems to be shooting up in section 25 is to be amended it would African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
C H AI R ’S WO RD 5 The preamble to the Constitution By Adv. Mc Caps Motimele SC: BLA-LEC Chairperson The Preamble to our Constitution is concise, commemorative and edifying. It contextualises our constitutional project with enlightening exactitude. In simple terms, it frames the constitution with a commentary of hope, vision, transformation. Correctly observed, it’s part of a poem, part of a song and render nation building an elusive dream. more subtly, a national prayer. It opens with a significant The Preamble acknowledges the evils of apartheid and phrase “we the people of South Africa” , to signify our makes a clarion call to all, to honour those who suffered collective resolve to build a united South Africa premised on for justice and freedom in our land and unite regardless of democratic values and ideals. diverse backgrounds and cultural heritage. Indeed, South It is regrettable that society at large knows very little about Africa belongs to all who live in it , united in our diversity. the Preamble to the constitution and its profound opening. What we ought to learn from the text of the Preamble is Despite its potential to serve as an educational clause and that it is a foundation for a peaceful co-existence, healing, instil a sense of national consciousness , policy-makers transformation, pursuit of justice, tolerance, reconciliation and appear to overlook the essence of the preamble. Comparative nation building etc... constitutional law teaches us that preambles to constitutions Our preamble succinctly proclaims that the sovereign have played crucial roles in both law and policy making power rest with “ we the people of South Africa’’. The “ we ”, throughout the world. demonstrates our common identity as a nation. The preamble outlines our objectives in adopting the constitution such as; Justice Albie Sachs in S v Mhlungu 1995 (7) BCLR 793 (CC) to heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based correctly observed: “ The Preamble in particular should not be dismissed as a mere on democratic values , social justice and fundamental human aspirational and throat-clearing exercise of little interpretive value. rights. It connects up, reinforces and underlies all of the text that follows. Concerted efforts must therefore be made to ensure that It helps to establish the basic design of the Constitution and every South African understands this fundamental basis of indicate its fundamental purposes. This is not a case of making the our constitutional scheme. Policy makers have a critical role Constitution mean what we like, but of making it mean what the to play. For example, in our schools, learners must be taught framers wanted it to mean; we gather their intention not from our to recite the preamble. This will constantly fortify their subjective wishes, but from looking at the document as a whole” consciousness and understanding of the country’s history, And in City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality v Afriforum present and future aspirations. For example , in the United and Another [2016] ZACC 19, Chief Justice Mogoeng States of America , learners are required to pledge allegiance correctly remarked: to the US flag each morning. South African leaners may “ A preamble is after all a succinct expressionary statement that well be taught to pledge their allegiance to the Preamble and sets out a constitution’s purpose and underlying philosophy. By the constitution in its entirety. This will serve as a powerful design and like all others, our Preamble captures the essential affirmation, planting the seed and spirit of reconciliation, principles by which we the people seek to govern our affairs. transformation and peaceful co-existence in their hearts. The It is such a crucial part of our Constitution that, if only every strength of the Preamble lies not only in the legal sphere but citizen were to internalise it and live according to its terms, our also in its social function and effect, ours is an integrative aspirations would most likely be expeditiously realised.” preamble. It fosters integration by forging common identity, Although South Africa achieved or made major strides in the drawing people together, contributing and promoting social struggle for freedom and quality, the vestiges of colonialism cohesion. Surprisingly, despite its importance, the study of and apartheid are still evident. the preamble remains a neglected subject in the South African These are pernicious systems. Racism and other despicable constitutional theory and receives scant attention in literature tendencies which epitomise racial intolerance are still as well. It is cause for concern that law professors rarely teach prevalent, in all sectors of society. This is a clear indication and that courts rarely cite the preamble. Yet I remain hopeful, that the preamble is not yet fully internalised. The ideal that in time the preamble will become the credo of our young society envisaged in the preamble of the constitution will society; grounding morality, shaping dreams and the pursuit continue to elude us as a people until such time we recognise of happiness. As Martin Luther King Jr once said, the time is its importance in nation building. To negate this reality will always ripe to do right. African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
6 L EG AL T RAI N I NG Empowering legal minds By Andisiwe Sigonyela, Acting Director-BLA-LEC Labour Lawyer, Madoda Nxumalo teaching one of the TAT sessions in Namibia. Continuing legal education and training is at year 2018. We aim to expand our reach in the year 2019. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all our the centre of the Black Lawyers Association- sponsors , instructors and participants who made it all possible. Legal Education Centre goals. Our training this year also extended beyond South African borders, visiting Windhoek, Namibia. We are dedicated to providing the legal and allied professions Some of our well-designed programmes and attendance in with advanced skills and information, ensuring that they excel the fourth quarter of 2018 are listed as follows: in their professions. Our aim is to enrich and enhance their competitive edge to TRIAL ADVOCACY TRAINING (TAT) benefit the very ordinary members of society. This training is designed to ensure trial lawyers present a good Increasing the number of black lawyers is also of high on argument before the courtroom. The programme helps lawyers the agenda of the BLA-LEC. acquire and develop the skills and confidence they need to Close to 2000 lawyers in various facets of the law benefited become competent litigators. from our diverse and enriching training programmes in the Attorneys And Advocates TRAINING DATE AREA NUMBER OF DELEGATES Advanced Trial Advocacy Training 19 – 24 November 2018 Namibia 30 attended African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
L E GAL TR A INING 7 Universities Unisa 09 – 10 October 2018 Durban 17 attended Unisa 09 – 10 October 2018 Nelspruit 11 attended Unisa 09 – 10 October 2018 Johannesburg 14 attended Unisa 11 - 12 October 2018 Pretoria 30 attended Walter Sisulu University 11, 12 & 13 October 2018 44 attended University of Fort Hare 18, 19 & 20 October 2018 69 attended University of the Western 25, 26 & 27 October 2018 13 attended Cape PLT school(s) Bloemfontein PLT School 04, 05 & 06 December Bloemfontein 21 attended (night class) 2018 Commercial Law Programme Training (CLP) This programme covers important areas such as purchase and sales agreements, mergers and acquisitions, dispute resolution and other significant areas of commercial law. TOPIC DATE AREA NUMBER OF DELEGATES Competition Law and 10 November 2018 Durban 19 delegates attended Merger Filing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) This programme is aimed at primarily building capacity and enhancing the skills of lawyers. It assists in making the law accessible to all black and or historically disadvantaged legal practitioners in South Africa. TOPIC DATE AREA NUMBER OF DELEGATES Prospecting & Mining Law 28 November 2018 Polokwane 15 delegates attended Advocate Helen Ngomane training Nelson Mandela University students North West University students listening attentively as training is underway African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
8 BL A D E S K 2nd series: The History of the Black Lawyers Association By Deputy Judge President Phineas Mojapelo, South Gauteng High Court The year 1976 16 June 1960 The year of youth power and student Repression, shootings, blood, maiming power. and crippling injuries. Howh…!!!? On June 16, the youth wrote into What is wrong with the number 6, and the South African calendar and in our particularly 16 in our history: 1960 – collective conscience. They turned Sharpville massacre; the 1960’s - the the tide of the country’s history and liberation movement. genesis of the Rivonia trial; 16 June This was also a year of extreme 1976 – Soweto uprisings and students’ apartheid police brutality against massacre, 16 August 2012 – the unarmed and defenceless children whose Marikana massacre! only crime was to insist on their rights. Back to 1976. The students uprising This is the second in a series of articles that seeks to trace the formation and history of the Black Lawyers Association (BLA). The writer shall welcome any comments, particularly by lawyers who were part of the process. The coming together of the Black Lawyers Group in 1977 and the ultimate formation of BLA in 1978/9 must be seen within the context of the political atmosphere that prevailed at the time. The year before had seen the student march of June 16, 1976, which started in Soweto. On the fateful day, the South African Police force shot and killed Being black was criminalised by the more than 20 black school children and apartheid law as blackness became pupils; they also injured and arrested many. All in Soweto, all on that very an element of certain crimes.” day. It was news that shocked the world. African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
BL A DESK 9 had spread throughout the country the state had to lead witnesses who were essentially for community legal work to resulting in the arrest and detention then cross examined. The full proper defend the human rights of other black of many people. Many more children procedure had to be followed, in each people, despite the denial of such rights were killed in various other parts of and every case right up to sentencing under the laws of the time. the country as students’ uprisings and if found guilty. There was often one Black lawyers had to organise youth power spread like an unstoppable magistrate and one prosecutor a day, themselves to take turns to defend inferno in the days that followed. The between them they processed many offenders. The system was to get the political atmosphere throughout the offenders in a day. mandate of each and every arrested country became highly charged. person and to defend them all or most of Up until then, there was no formal them on a particular day. structure of black lawyers in the country. The black lawyers did this for no Many of them would however from The best fee, there was no legal aid system for time to time come together as a group to strategy was pass offenders. Seeking funding for discuss common problems and to defend those one represented would lead to black people who were prosecuted to be ready to proceed their cases being postponed whilst under pass laws for exercising their birth with the case. Or they remained in custody. That was rights in the country of their birth. on another day, the undesirable. Under these laws black people were The best strategy was to be ready to arrested and brought before courts for group of black lawyers proceed with the case. offences such as: (a) failing to produce would change tact and On other days , the group of black a “dom pass” upon demand by the lawyers would change tact and apply police officers; (b) entering or remaining apply for bail for each for bail for each and every one that was within a prescribed area without a and every one that brought to court. Prosecution would permit; (c) loitering, and (d) many other never know what was coming on any offences for which only black people was brought to court. day the lawyers came. could be prosecuted. Being black was Prosecution would The element of community service criminalised by the apartheid law as did not stop with the formation of the blackness became an element of certain never know what was BLA as an association. On the contrary, crimes. coming on any day a basis was created around which people The lawyers would from time to the lawyers came.” could organise themselves for that time organise themselves in groups to purpose. defend these pass law offenders and The system that started in thus gem the system. In the absence Johannesburg was replicated whenever of legal representation, the pass law With black lawyers lined up at black lawyers opened offices in other offenders would often be brought court to defend each and every case towns, and the approach of working before the special pass courts and would called on any day, prosecution of pass together in defence of pass offenders be tried and sentenced summarily to offenders en-mass became impossible. was extended to victims of other imprisonment with the option of a fine. State witnesses were often not available, apartheid laws. Those who pleaded not guilty would and if available they would often not The BLA from the beginning often be remanded in custody on several remember who arrested who, where committed itself to advance and instances. Pleading guilty was thus a and under what circumstances. A large promote respect for the rule of law and way of getting out of custody at the number of black people would often the protection of human rights. earliest appearance in court. People have been picked up in one swoop were pressurised and manipulated to all over the city on a big truck called plead guilty for no crime. The system ‘khwela-khwela’. of prosecuting people en-mass was Remembering where each was essential for the enforcement of the pass picked up was often a nightmare, which law offences, for which people would police had failed to anticipate. The often be picked up in the street as a form alternative was for them to fabricate of harassment. evidence, which many did. Black lawyers would often clock Fabricated evidence is a nice up the system, in their organisational meal for a seasoned cross examiner. efforts to defend people. The system was gemmed whenever In the presence of a legal black lawyers appeared to defend pass representative, proper procedures had offenders in a particular court. to be followed: charges had to be read There was thus prior to the formation of and interpreted to each accused. He or the BLA an informal ad hoc organisation she had to plead to the charges and then of black lawyers. The formation was African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
10 BL A D E S K OUT and ABOUT BLA The GM Pitje Memorial AGM 2018 African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
BL A DESK 11 Social Responsibility 19 October 2018, Cape Town, Silikamva High School African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
12 IN D E P T H The Land Reform Agenda By Sphesihle Nxumalo, Baker McKenzie Associate Attorney Source: https://theconversation.com/ ©Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters Is there a dichotomy between the contemplated amendments to the Constitution and the constitutional fabric? If there ever was a Methuselah1 of grand Constitution is one in questions around the law reform agenda which extinction of rights The Constitution in its current formulation, this is it. in property can only be On 15 November 2018, the Joint constitutional if such guarantees the right to Constitutional Review Committee is against the payment compensation, which is (JCRC) crossed the Rubicon when of just and equitable just and equitable in the event it adopted its report, calling for the compensation. amendment of section 25 of the In other words, that property is expropriated. Constitution. the Constitution This was to make it possible for guarantees the right government to expropriate land without to compensation, which is just and But when we steer clear of the socio- compensation in the public interest, equitable in the event that property moralistic viewpoint, we are left to signalling a momentous move from the is expropriated. It further states that answer the sensible and preeminent catatonic constitutional dispensation expropriation can only be for a public question of whether the contemplated to a transformative constitutional purpose or in the public interest. The amendments to allow for expropriation dispensation. contemplated amendments to section of land without compensation are in The status quo of the expropriation 25 seek to overcome the restrictions conformity with the Constitution. regime under section 25 of the imposed by the very section 25. The There is a small but significant wave land reform agenda is without a doubt of distress that the JCRC has just set in 1 According to the Holy Bible, Methuselah is said to have lived for nine hundred and sixty-nine years a key policy objective, consonant with full swing a socialist carousel that will (Genesis 5:27). transformative social justice. trump the rule of law in its wake. African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
I N DEPTH 13 There is some comfort (albeit dubious) manner contemplated, and indeed the in that the opponents and proponents of There is JCRC’s decision, are the extensive land reform all sing from the same hymn consultations and public hearings that sheet of the sanctity of the rule of law as an urgent have taken place. Due to the sweeping a founding value of the Constitution and imperative changes that will be brought about not mobocracy. Transformative social to underwrite the by the contemplated amendments, change is the major divide. government has certainly gone The ANC government’s economic improvement in the overboard in following due process philosophy comprises a social quality of life of the on the issue as ours is a participatory democratic approach to social reform. poor and to reduce democracy. There is an urgent imperative to In debating the constitutionality of underwrite the improvement in the inequalities as white land reform, one cannot lose sight of quality of life of the poor and to reduce minorities and black the Preamble to the Constitution. It is inequalities as white minorities and South Africans are at a convenient to set out its telling words: black South Africans are at a saddle point. saddle point. “We, the people of South Africa, recognise the injustices of our past; White minorities at a relative honour those who suffered for justice maximum and black South Africans at a muster to keep us farther away from a and freedom in our land…” and relative minimum to economic means of dystopian world, where political forces thus adopted the “…Constitution as production, including access to land and and ruling parties mold the Constitution the supreme law of the Republic so standard of life. into what they want it to be from time to as to heal the divisions of the past The land reform agenda in its time. and establish a society based on current formulation is a mechanism But there is no defined start democratic values, social justice and in which government seeks to rectify and end point to the inquiry – the fundamental human rights; lay the this socio-economic disparity. Its constitutionality of texts is contextual foundations for a democratic and mainly caused by large scale historical and is informed primarily by the rule open society in which government is dispossessions of blacks, by way of land of law. The rule of law does not have a based on the will of the people and acquisition without compensation and precise definition, and its meaning can every citizen is equally protected by redistribution. vary between different nations and legal law; improve the quality of life of all Section 2 of the Constitution (the traditions. citizens…”. so-called “supremacy clause”) is non- Generally, however, it can be esoteric , it states; “The Constitution is understood as a legal-political regime The text of the Preamble supports a the supreme law of the Republic; law or under which the law restrains the flexible system of government with conduct inconsistent with it is invalid, government by promoting certain the capacity of passing laws necessary and the obligations imposed by it must liberties and creating order and to meet the needs and challenges of be fulfilled.” predictability regarding how a country contemporary South Africa while at the This provision does not invalidate functions. In the most basic sense, the same time embedding certain liberties amendments to the Constitution. rule of law is a system that attempts deemed essential by a consensus of We, Indeed, the supremacy of the to protect the rights of citizens from the people of South Africa. If the rule Constitution does not render it arbitrary and abusive use of government of law means anything, it means that unchangeable and section 74 is in fact power. This begs the question: how changes to the Constitution should come the repository of the National Assembly do we know what constitutes arbitrary from a strong consensus of We, the and National Council of Provinces’ and abusive use of government power? people of South Africa acting pursuant powers to amend the Constitution. That is the question Professor Cora to, inter alia, the ideals of healing the To amend section 25 (which is a Chapter Hoexter tackles with didactic insight divisions of the past and establishing a 2 provision) will require the support in Administrative Law in South Arica. society based on social justice and the of at least two thirds of the members Prof. Hoexter posits that at common improvement of the quality of life of all of National Assembly and six of nine law, action is said to be arbitrary when citizens, amongst other things. provinces in the National Council of it is irrational or senseless, without Whilst I do not discount the real Provinces. foundation or apparent purpose. Indeed, prospect of a constitutional challenge Does this mean virtually any our whole constitutional heritage to the amendment of section 25 of the provision of the Constitution can be rebels at senselessness of decision and Constitution, the very Constitution amended as long as the thresholds to policy-making by government, and this is supposed to represent a consensus amend it are met? The answer is yes, but case is no exception. What obviates the among We, the people of South Africa, that’s not the end of it – the amendments arbitrariness of the ANC government’s and not the policy preferences of a few would still need to pass constitutional decision to pursue land reform in the judges. Furthermore, at some point we African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
14 IN D E P T H Maintaining the status quo will mean that 22 years later, the Constitution serves as a façade for covering past iniquities than as an instrument for remedying them. have to stop philosophical tap-dancing amendments as unconstitutional in urgent needs and values of a majority and reading texts in isolation of their the event that there is a breach of the of the South African society – this is historical contexts. For a moment, I constitutional provision establishing transformative constitutionalism. As found myself in the unfortunate position the amendment powers and thresholds. already stated, the Constitution is the of the curate given a stale egg at the When our founding fathers forged the work of We, the people, and We, the bishop’s table; I considered parts of Constitution, they were well aware of people did not produce a ‘frozen-in- the argument by opponents of land the social and economic urges in the time’ Constitution. I must emphasise reform that amending the Constitution country. But they were anxious that we that it cannot be that re-engineering will trump fundamental human rights should not hurry to achieve socialism the socio-economic dynamics of the (i.e. property rights) persuasive, others instantly overnight. They would have South African society to address the not. Assuming in their favour, the made it clear in unequivocal terms conspicuous grim social disparities question then arises, if We, the people had the intention been that a Chapter 2 between Whites and Blacks, by determined what fundamental rights provision such as section 25 cannot be abandoning obsolete systems and, are deserving of constitutional sanctity, amended in the manner contemplated indeed constitutional provisions thus protection from state interference, today because to do so would be, for that continue to perpetuate socio- then what does that mean of the texts of lack of a better word, preposterous. economic disparities, borders on the Constitution – does it really make After all, social and economic unconstitutionality. any sense to sanctify and ‘freeze’ the conditions can be altered by legislative The “evolution” of constitutionalism texts of the Constitution at some point amendments. did not begin at the World Trade in time? Well, it does and does not. Whilst I cannot say the die has Centre in Johannesburg and did not The contemplated amendments will been cast yet, the JCRC’s decision end in Sharpeville, Vereeniging. represent the normative consensus of the clearly jibs to the monumentality of Thus, we have to ask with respect to South African society, and this does not the Constitution, and ushers in an contemporary constitutional issues, suggest the violation of human rights, era where section 25 has no value in particularly insofar as accelerating land rule of law or any other highly popular the transformative democratic South reform is concerned, what really is a provisions of the Constitution. Africa anymore. The contemplated sensible response? When the text of the Maintaining the status quo will mean amendments are indeed not reflective of Constitution proves unable to assimilate that 22 years later, the Constitution the subjective moral and philosophical restorative justice and transformative serves as a façade for covering past preferences of the ANC government, narratives, people do create new texts iniquities than as an instrument for rather in a democratic and socially – they amend the Constitution. This remedying them. Considering that land crippled society, the pendulum of cannot be unconstitutional. reform is a key policy objective, the transformation swings in favour of a courts could declare the contemplated Constitution that seeks to address the African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
I N DEPTH 15 The Prevention of Organised Crime Act By Justice Legoabe Willie Seriti, Supreme Court of Appeal Judge The legislature enacted s 35 of the Criminal which was used for the purpose of or in connection with the commission of the offence in Procedure Act 51 of 1977 (CPA) question or for the conveyance as a mechanism to combat At the outset we or removal of the stolen property, crime and alleviate its scourge must remind and which was seized under the on society. In essence, s 35 deals ourselves of provisions of this Act, forfeited to the State:. . . . ” with forfeiture of articles to the the nature of the In terms of these provisions, State and is stated in the CPA as legislation we are a court can declare an article follows: concerned with. POCA or instrument utilised in the was enacted in pursuit commission of an offence forfeited to the State only after conviction “35 Forfeiture of article to State of legitimate and of an accused. In the absence of a (1) A court which convicts an accused of any offence may, without notice to any person, important government conviction, the court cannot declare declare- purposes of combating any instrument utilised in the (a) any weapon, instrument or other serious organised commission of the offence forfeited to the State. This is the position even article by means whereof the offence in crime and preventing if the accused was acquitted on a question was committed or which was used criminals from technicality and not on the merits. in the commission of such offence; or (b) if the conviction is in respect of an benefiting from the Section 35(2) provides that a offence referred to in Part 1 of Schedule proceeds of their court which convicts an accused or which finds an accused not guilty of 2, any vehicle, container or other article crimes. any offence, shall declare forfeited African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
16 IN D E P T H to the State any article seized under have the potential to inflict social damage; the provisions of this Act which is ‘We should and (b) South African common law and forged or counterfeit or which cannot statutory law fail to deal adequately with lawfully be possessed by any person. embrace criminal activities and also fail to keep There are certain articles mentioned POCA as a friend pace with international measures aimed at dealing effectively with such activities. in this subsection which can be to democracy, the Its scheme seeks to ensure that no person declared forfeit to the State even if the accused is acquitted of the charge rule of law and convicted of an offence benefits from the fruits of that or any related offence, and to ensure he or she was facing. constitutionalism that property that is used as an instrumentality In terms of the provision of s of an offence is forfeited.” and as indispensable 35(2) the court has an obligation to In National Director of Public declare forfeited to the State articles in a world where the Prosecutions v Elran 2013 (1) SACR 429 therein mentioned. institutions of State (CC); 2013 (4) SACR 429 (CC); 2013 (4) In order to improve or strengthen the State’s efforts to combat are fragile, and the BCLR 379 (CC) para 22 Jafta J said: “At the outset we must remind ourselves of crime, the legislature enacted the instruments of law the nature of the legislation we are concerned Prevention of Organised Crime Act sometimes struggle with. POCA was enacted in pursuit of 121 of 1998 (POCA). legitimate and important government purposes In its introduction POCA states for their very survival of combating serious organised crime and its purpose and aim as being to against criminals who preventing criminals from benefiting from the proceeds of their crimes. Among the arsenal combat organised crime, money laundering and criminal gang subvert them’. of tools employed to achieve these objectives is the authorisation of seizure of property and activities and to provide for the civil restraint orders. These orders authorise state forfeiture of criminal property that officials to seize property suspected to be the has been used to commit an offence. proceeds of crime or an instrumentality of an offence.” Its preamble states amongst others - that no person should benefit from the fruits of unlawful activities, nor is any person Chapter 6 of POCA deals with Civil Recovery of Property and the relevant sections are ss 37-62. It is divided into Parts 1 to 4. entitled to use property for the commission of an offence. The Part 1 contains only s 37. This section provides that preamble further states that legislation is necessary to provide proceedings under this chapter are civil proceedings and not for a civil remedy for the preservation, seizure and forfeiture criminal proceedings. It further states that rules of evidence of property which is derived from unlawful activities or is applicable in civil proceedings apply to proceedings under this concerned in the commission or suspected commission of an chapter. offence. Part 2 which contains ss 38 to 47 deals with preservation of In National Director of Public Prosecutions v Mohamed property. Section 38 deals with preservation of property orders NO & others 2003 (1) SACR 561 (CC); 2003 (4) SA 1 (CC) and reads partly as follows: para 16, when dealing with POCA, the Constitutional Court said: “Preservation of property orders “The present Act (and particularly Chapters 5 and 6 thereof) (1) The National Director may by way of an ex represents the culmination of a protracted process of law reform parte application apply to a High Court for an order which has sought to give effect to South Africa’s international prohibiting any person, subject to such conditions and obligation and domestic interest to ensure that criminals do not exceptions as may be specified in the order, from dealing benefit from their crimes. . . .” in any manner with any property. Organised crime has become a burgeoning international (2) The High Court shall make an order referred to in problem and countries such as ours are particularly susceptible subsection (1) if there are reasonable grounds to believe to organised crime groups. It is generally accepted that that the property concerned- ordinary criminal law measures are ineffective in effectively (a) is an instrumentality of an offence referred to in dealing with organised criminal syndicates, thus necessitating Schedule 1; extraordinary measures such as civil forfeiture in terms of (b) is the proceeds of unlawful activities; or chapter 6 of POCA. (c) is property associated with terrorist and related In Prophet v National Director of Public Prosecutions activities. 2006 (2) SACR 525 (CC) para 59; the Constitutional Court (3) A High Court making a preservation of property order said: shall at the same time make an order authorising the “The POCA is an important tool to achieve the goal of reducing seizure of the property concerned by a police official, organised crime. Its legislative objectives are set out in its and any other ancillary orders that the court considers Preamble which observes that: (a) criminal activities present appropriate for the proper, fair and effective execution of a danger to public order and safety and economic stability and the order.” African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
I N DEPTH 17 Schedule 1 of POCA lists various serious offences, for instance In an instance where more than one potential forfeiture process murder, rape, kidnapping, extortion, perjury, drug offences, exists in a given instance, it must be left up to the National illicit dealing or possession of precious metals or precious Director and his/her officials to determine which would be the stones, etc. most effective and appropriate procedure to adopt. When the National Director approaches the Court in terms See Ex Parte National Director of Public Prosecutions of s 38 by way of an ex parte application, the application will 2018 (2) SACR 176 (SCA) para 28. be set down as provided for in Uniform rule 6 (4)(a) and shall Section 50 of POCA grants the court a discretion and not be heard in camera. an obligation to grant a forfeiture order. The discretion must be Section 39 requires the National Director to give notice of exercised judicially and attention should be given to the nature the order to all persons known to the National Director to have and value of the article. The role played by the article in the an interest in the property which is subject to the order and to commission of the offence and the effect of the forfeiture on publish a notice of the order in the Gazette. the affected person. Any person who has an interest in the affected property Whether or not the accused is convicted of an offence, may, if they wish, enter an appearance to defend which shall any article seized from him which is found to be forged or be accompanied by an affidavit. counterfeited will be forfeited to the State. This shall state the nature and extent of his or her interest If no criminal proceedings are carried out in connection in the property concerned and the basis of the defence upon with the article that has been seized, and the article is not which he or she intends to rely in opposing a forfeiture order needed as evidence in any court, then it will be returned to or applying for the exclusion of interests from the operation the person from whom it was seized. If no such person is thereof. available, then the article will be handed over to the State. Section 40 deals with the duration of preservation of In Prophet v National Director of Public Prosecutions property orders. It provides that a preservation order shall 2005 (2) SACR 670 (SCA) paras 30 and 37 it was said that a expire 90 days after the date on which notice of the making court may decline to make a forfeiture order if the particular of the order is published in the Gazette. The order can be deprivation is disproportionate to the crime. The owner of the rescinded before the expiry date. property needs to place before the court the necessary material Part 3 which contains ss 48 to 57 deals with forfeiture for a proportionality analysis before the court. of property. Section 48 provides that if a preservation of POCA particularly Chapters 5 and 6 represent the property order is in force the National Director may apply culmination of a protracted process of law reform which has to a high court for an order forfeiting to the State all or any sought to give effect to SA’s international obligation and of the property that is subject to the preservation order. The domestic interest to ensure that criminals do not benefit from National Director is obliged to give at least 14 days’ notice of their crimes. Chapter 5 (compromising ss 12 to 36) provides the application to every person who entered an appearance to for the forfeiture of the benefits derived from crime but oppose the granting of the order. its confiscation machinery may be invoked only when the In terms of s 50 of POCA the high court shall grant a ‘defendant’ is convicted of an offence. Chapter 6 (comprising forfeiture order if the court finds on a balance of probabilities ss 37 to 62) provides for forfeiture of the proceeds of and that the property concerned is an instrumentality of an offence instrumentalities used in crime, but is not conviction based. referred to in schedule 1 or is the proceeds of unlawful Within 90 days of the grant of the preservation order the activities or is the property associated with terrorist and related National Director must apply for the forfeiture of the property. activities. Section 40 provides that a preservation of property order shall The validity of the order is not affected by the outcome of expire 90 days after the date on which notice of making the the criminal proceedings. As stated earlier s 35(1) of the CPA order is published in the Gazette. entitles the Court after conviction of an accused to declare To conclude, in National Director of Public Prosecutions forfeit to the State any property which was used in connection v Elran 2013 (1) SACR 429 (CC) para 70 it was put as with the commission of any offence. follows: Unlike the forfeiture provisions of POCA, s 35 of the CPA ‘We should embrace POCA as a friend to democracy, the rule of entitles the Court to declare forfeit to the State any property law and constitutionalism and as indispensable in a world where which was used in the commission of any offence. the institutions of State are fragile, and the instruments of law In terms of POCA, the offence involved must be one sometimes struggle for their very survival against criminals who stipulated in Schedule 1 thereof, which offences are generally subvert them’. serious offences. In my view, the forfeiture provisions contained in s 35 of the CPA are easier to invoke after the conviction of the accused, but prior to any conviction or in the absence of a conviction, the provisions of s 50 of POCA offers a speedy and effective remedy to the National Director of Public Prosecutions. African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
18 IN D E P T H When does a debt prescribe? By Adv. Fhumulani Mbedzi, BLA-LEC Researcher It is trite that in terms of African Customary law a claim does not prescribe. Across all South African indigenous people we have a principle to the effect that “a claim does not prescribe”, for instance in Tshivenda, Sepedi and IsiZulu they say, “Mulandu a u sini”, “Molato a o boli” or “Icala aliboli”. S 211(3) of the Constitution obliges the courts to apply customary law when that law is applicable, subject to the Constitution and any legislation that specifically deals with customary law. It cannot be demonstrated that the articulated principle is at odds with the constitution, neither can it demonstrated that unless a longer period applies in respect of the debt in it is not “applicable” when prescription plea is raised in matters question in terms of paragraph (a)or (b); affecting black people. (d) save where an Act of Parliament provides otherwise, three For some reason, when matters relating to prescription of years in respect of any other debt.” debts are brought before court, it is the Prescription Act which Section 11(C ) provides for the prescription of debts arising finds application and not the African Customary Law. This is from a bill of exchange or negotiable instruments. Negotiable so even when litigants are black people. In most cases where a instruments (Bill of exchange included) are regulated by the special plea of prescription finds application, it succeeds. The Bills Of Exchange Act 34 of 1964. Under the Bills of Exchange prescription Act regime now appears to be the preferred avenue Act, negotiable instruments include; Bills of exchange , in our courts. In terms of this Act a debt prescribes. Cheques, Promissory notes, Treasury bill and Traveller’s This approach somehow favours “civil law” over African cheques complying with all requirements for the bill. If a debt Customary law. The focus of this article is the Prescription Act arises out of these instruments of payment, it will prescribe and the law of extinctive prescription in general and its effects after six years unless a longer period applies in respect of the on creditors and debtors. debt in question as provided for in terms of s11 (a)or (b) of the Section 11 of the Act provides for the periods of prescription of prescription Act. debts as follow: Pleading prescription Periods of prescription of debts In terms of the Act , prescription should be raised in pleadings.1 The periods of prescription of debts shall be the following: A court shall not of its own motion take notice of (a) thirty years in respect of- prescription. (i) any debt secured by mortgage bond; It is trite that a party to a litigation who seeks to invoke (ii) any judgment debt; prescription shall do so in a relevant document filed of record (iii) any debt in respect of any taxation imposed or levied in the proceedings and that a court may allow prescription to be by or under any law; raised at any stage of the proceedings. 2 (iv) any debt owed to the State in respect of any share Prescription as a special plea must set out sufficient facts to of the profits, royalties or any similar consideration show on what basis the defence is based. 3 payable in respect of the right to mine minerals or The onus is therefore on the defendant to show that the other substances; claim is prescribed but if in reply to the plea, the plaintiff (b) fifteen years in respect of any debt owed to the State and alleges that prescription was interrupted or waived , the onus arising out of an advance or loan of money or a sale or would be on the plaintiff to show that it was so interrupted or lease of land by the State to the debtor, unless a longer waived. 4 period applies in respect of the debt in question in terms of 1 See S 17 in this regard paragraph (a); 2 See S17 of the Act, see also stolz v Pretoria North Council 1953 (3) SA 884 (T) 3 Hurst , Gunson , Cooper , Tabler Ltd v Agricultural supply Association pty ltd 1965 (1) (c) six years in respect of a debt arising from a bill of exchange SA 48 (W) or other negotiable instrument or from a notarial contract, 4 Yusuf v Bailey and others 1964 (4) SA 117 (W) African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
I N DEPTH 19 Why prescription In Minister of Finance & others v Gore NO 2007 (1) SA One of the philosophical justifications for prescription of 111 (SCA) the following was stated (at para119J-120A): debts is that ‘society is intolerant of stale claims’. (Cape Town ‘‘This court has, in a series of decisions, emphasised that Municipality v Allie NO 1981 (2) SA 1 (C) at 5G-H. time begins to run against the creditor when it has the In Road Accident Fund & another v Mdeyide 2011 (2) SA minimum facts that are necessary to institute action. The 26 (CC) Van der Westhuizen J explained the importance of running of prescription is not postponed until a creditor extinctive prescription as follows: becomes aware of the full extent of its legal rights, nor until ‘In the interests of social certainty and the quality of the creditor has evidence that would enable it to prove a adjudication, it is important, though, that legal disputes case “comfortably”. be finalised timeously. The realities of time and human It bears emphasis that the aim of the Prescription Act is not to fallibility require that disputes be brought before a court as extinguish the cause of action, but to take away the right of soon as reasonably possible.5 an inactive creditor to sue after a particular time. Farlam JA Didcott J in Mohlomi v Minister of Defence 1997 (1) SA 124 succinctly put it in Unilever Bestfoods Robertsons (Pty) Ltd v (CC) at (para 11) remarked as follows : Soomai & another 2007 (2) SA 347 (SCA) at 359F-H: ‘Inordinate delays in litigation damage the interests ‘What prescribes in terms of the Prescription Act . . . is a of justice. They protract the disputes over the rights “debt”, that is to say, not a “cause of action”, but a “claim”.’ and obligations sought to be enforced, prolonging the uncertainty of all concerned about their affairs. Prescription act and the Constitution Nor in the end is it always possible to adjudicate The Constitution proclaims its supremacy and enshrined a satisfactorily on cases that have gone stale. By then number of fundamental human rights. One of the sections witnesses may no longer be available to testify. The recognising a fundamental right is S34 which provides as memories of ones whose testimony can still be obtained follows: may have faded and become unreliable. Documentary evidence may have disappeared. Such rules prevent “Access to courts” procrastination and those harmful consequences of it.’ 34. Everyone has the right to have any dispute that can be resolved by the application of law decided in a fair public Due debt hearing before a court or, where appropriate, another The phrase ‘debt is due’ is not defined in the Prescription independent and impartial tribunal or forum” Act. But it is now settled that the term must be given its The constitutional Court has held that the Act limits s34 ordinary meaning, that is a debt owing and already payable or Constitutional rights.7 immediately claimable or immediately exigible at the election In Road Accident Fund and Another v Mdeyide 2011 (2) of the creditor.6 SA 26 (CC) , the Constitutional Court, having expressed reservations on whether an obligation may constitute a debt “Debt” for purposes of prescription contemplated in the Prescription Act, stated that failure to meet The word ‘debt’ in s 12(1) of the Prescription Act is a wide a prescription deadline set in terms of the Act, could deny a concept which does not equate to a cause of action’. It includes litigant access to a court. the broader concept of a ‘right of action’. In Drennan Maud & Although the Prescription Act limits S34 constitutional Partners v Town Board of the Township Pennington 1998 (3) rights, it cannot be attacked purely on the basis that it preceded SA 200 (SCA) Harms JA put it as follows: a democratic constitution. ‘[I]n short, the word “debt” does not refer to the “cause The purpose of the law of extinctive prescription should be of action”, but more generally to the claim. . . In deciding served. whether a ‘debt’ has become prescribed, one has to identify Stale claims diminish the quality of Justice and matters the “debt”, or, put differently, what the “claim” was in the must reach finality before human frailties such as forgetfulness broad sense of the meaning of that word.’ creep in. Immediately after the debt has become due, creditors are Furthermore, and in Barnett & others v Minister of Land allowed to pursue the recovery of debts failure of which the Affairs & others [2007] 2007 (6) SA 313 (SCA) at para 19, the law cannot help. Depending on the debt, their legal claims will term ‘debt’ was given a broad meaning to refer to an obligation prescribe over time. to do something, such as payment or delivery of goods or to That is to say their right to claim will soon cease to exist. abstain from doing something. With regard to the prescription law, parties should know that it is not the merits of the case that matters, it is the time. If the When prescription begins to run time has lapsed , S34 right is legitimately limited. Our courts have clarified when exactly prescription begins to run against the creditor. 5 Para 2 6 Electricity Supply Commission v Stewarts & Lloyds SA (Pty) Ltd 1979 (4) SA 905 7 Trinity Asset Management (Pty) Limited v Grindstone Investments 132 (W) at 908E. (Pty) Limited [2017] ZACC 32 at para 33 African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
20 IN D E P T H Source: Denis Farrell/AP Decolonising South Africa By retired Constitutional Court Justice Albie Sachs Our clear and constant goal was to destroy the whole racist system and replace it in its totality with a dispensation based on the will of all people.” Oliver Tambo’s whole life was dedicated to This reality meant that the struggle for self-determination in South Africa had important differences from the struggle for decolonising South Africa. When the British independence in the rest of the continent. handed over power to the whites through the In the 1950s, first Ghana and then one country after the creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910, other on the African continent gained independence. This, each they excluded the majority black population one did through the establishment of a new internationally recognised state separated from the former metropole from the new sovereignty. (primarily Britain, France and Portugal). While whites achieved self-government South Africa, on the other hand, was already an independent followed by full independence, the black state – in fact, it had been one of the founders of the United Nations. South African majority continued to be When the international movement spearheaded by Tambo treated as colonised subjects. The only succeeded in getting apartheid declared a crime against difference was that instead of being ruled humanity, it was not South Africa as a country that was from London, they were now being dictated expelled from the United Nations, but representatives of the racist government who were thrown out. to from Pretoria and Cape Town. In terms of So the struggle for self-determination in our country did the Constitution and the law they were denied not take the form of a fight for independence and separate the vote, excluded from owning land in 90 per statehood, it was not based on a notion of territorial secession. cent of the country, forced to carry passes and On the contrary, self-determination in South Africa took the form of destroying the system of internal colonialism apartheid subjected to a migrant labour system which in an already independent state and achieving majority rule in treated them as temporary sojourners in the an undivided country. towns. For those of us who saw ourselves as part of the Congress To cap it all, the Governor General (later the State movement, this was the vision of the Freedom Charter adopted President) was declared to be the Supreme Chief of all in 1955, two years before Ghana obtained independence. ‘natives’. A large part of my practice as a young advocate was We had no doubt that distructing the apartheid system in devoted to dealing with people being prosecuted and harassed South Africa would be part and parcel of the struggle to free the under laws called the Natives Urban Areas Act, the Natives entire Continent from colonial rule. Land Act, the Native Administration Act. The perverse reality in our country under apartheid rule was The term ‘Natives’ was changed to ‘Bantus’ and then to that the notion of independence was in fact being invoked not ‘Blacks’, but the reality of life for the majority was that of by the oppressed majority but by the racist rulers. living as if in an occupied country under a colonial-type and The opposition to the Bantustans not only crossed ethnic overtly racist administration. divisions, it ensured the evolution of a commonality of purpose African Law Review � Volume 1 � Issue 3 � 2018
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