What is our next move?
SANDTON – Professor Thuli Madonsela delivers a masterclass in the rule of law to drive social justice and civil society.
Hot off of the #Trek4Mandela expedition, Professor Thuli Madonsela, together with legal tech company LexisNexis, delivered a master class on the rule of law. Madonsela is known for her various respective roles in the law faculty, which includes the role of former Public Protector.
Greg brown, LexisNexis divisional director of data services, commended Madonsela for her efforts far beyond the expedition itself. “In Professor Madonsela we see a true champion in the rule of law. She is well represented globally for her integrity, upholding the strong moral values and she inspires a number of us to remain committed to equality, accountability and social justice.”
Brown added that the company remains committed to its role in having a positive social impact to civil society. “From our early beginnings to a position today as a legal tech company, we are committed to playing a positive role in the community and supporting initiatives that strengthen civil society and the rule of law.”
The rule of law, as defined by Madonsela in reference to Greek philosopher Aristotle, is when the law governs us, not any of the citizens. “One of my students recently said that their understanding of the rule of law is when the rules rule. But how do we make sure that these rules rule and it’s not the people that rule because somehow these rules need to be interpreted by the people,” she said.
“The key challenge to the rule of law is social injustice. In many societies where the laws are not justice, you get ruled by law and not the rule of law.”
She added that society tends to ask who wronged them instead of what the actual problem is. “The fate of the new dawn depends on our next move – mine, yours and ours together. Remember that when spider webs combine they can tie up a lion.”
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In an effort to drive the fight for social justice, a number of initiatives were founded particularly by LexisNexis and the Imbuma Foundation. The foundation founded the #Trek4Mandela initiative which was led by Sibusiso Vilane, who in 2003 became the first black person in the world to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Under the theme ‘Climbing for Dignity and Social Justice’, the climb was able to raise funds for the foundation’s Caring 4 Girls programme which provides support and sanitary towels for young African girls in need.
Imbumba Foundation founder and CEO Richard Mabaso summited Kilimanjaro in 2012 on Mandela Day where he was able to raise enough donations to support two schools. Fast forward seven years, the programme now supports over 900 000 young women.
Next year the foundation plans to summit Kilimanjaro from all six routes. “We have challenged corporates saying all you need to do is pick a colour [from the South African flag] and put together a group of climbers from your employers and we will be walking with you up Kilimanjaro.”
Mabaso added that the aim of the expedition is for each team to summit in their colour and on their respective route and unite at the top of the mountain to symbolize the rainbow nation coming together on 18 July. “This time we want to do it differently, we want to jump into that rainbow nation that some people don’t believe exists.”
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https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/209841/learn-to-play-tennis/
https://staging.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/157789/beauty-with-a-purpose/
