Commission bids farewell to Madlanga

The Farlam Commission of Inquiry bade farewell to chief evidence leader Mbuyiseli Madlanga on Wednesday.

   

The commission's chairman, retired judge Ian Farlam, wished him well in his new position as a Constitutional Court judge, which he was expected to take up on Thursday.

   

"We are grateful to him for the great contribution he has made to the commission. We not only wish him well, but... we know the whole country will benefit from his contribution... at theConstitutional Court," Farlam said.

   

Other lawyers at the commission said Madlanga was a pleasure to work with and a good human being. They described him as lawyer who worked hard, and had great integrity and wisdom.

   

Another evidence leader, Geoff Budlender, said Madlanga had all the qualities of a good Constitutional Court judge.

   

Madlanga thanked Farlam and all those who had contributed to the commission.

   

"This is a touching moment," he said.

   

He wished all them all the best for the duration of the hearings.

   

The Farlam Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during strike-related unrest at Lonmin's platinum mine in Marikana in August.

   

-Sapa