"Our institutions are strong': Mogoeng

Mogoeng was speaking at the SACCI Gala Dinner last night in Boksburg and said he believes South Africa's constitutional democracy is alive and well, since the country's key institutions have managed to retain both its independence and effectiveness.

The Chief Justice said the sole responsibility of every South African is to ensure inclusive economic growth - in order to create employment.

"Nothing of consequence has given us any reason to believe that there is anybody or anything that has the capacity to derail our constitutional democracy. Our institutions are strong. If there is any country to invest in, over and above our virtually immeasurable mineral resources and natural beauty, generosity of heart, our institutions are strong," he said.

Mogoeng, however, said there is a desperate need for a swift resolution to the fees crisis.

He said he is doubtful that the crisis affecting higher education could be resolved through dialogue.

The Chief Justice, however, said government cannot be expected to solve the issue of higher education fees on its own and that the private sector also needs to come on board.

"If there is anything, any message, that the FeesMustFall campaign has communicated to all of us without exception, it is this...maybe it is about time that we all go back to the drawing board and not leave it as the exclusive responsibility of government to address this issue," he said.

He said South Africans should look at what they can do.

"Apart from contributing financially in the long term, I believe we all know some people who can talk to some people so that peace and stability is restored in our institutions of higher learning. Let's assume it as our collective responsibility to make sure that we do whatever we can, we do whatever it takes to preserve our institutions of higher learning," he said.