The Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ), founded by Amal and George Clooney, recently has South Africans beaming, and especially Capetonians after announcing that its inaugural awards will be named after and in honour of Justice Albie Sachs.
Sachs, a University of Cape Town alumni, has been praised around the world and by the Clooneys for having spent his “whole life fighting for justice, so we couldn’t think of anyone better,” praised Amal, who herself is a renowned barrister with a focus on human rights and international law.
In explaining their decision, the Clooney’s noted Sach’s decorated accolades, including having served in the first Constitutional Court, being appointed by Nelson Mandela and his incredible brave efforts against apartheid, where he defended those charged under South Africa’s oppressive regime.
Sachs’ bravery is evident physically, as the Clooney’s make reference to the car bombing that took his right arm and sight in his eye. This car bombing reportedly came from the South African security services, UCT reminds.
Sachs is also renowned for having contributed to the writing of the post-apartheid 1996 Constitution. Given his lifelong activism since taking part in the Defiance of Unjust Laws Campaign whilst studying at UCT, the ‘Albie Awards’ will aptly present a Lifetime Achievement Award in Pursuit of justice to Sachs at the event on 29 September, as UCT further reports.
The Clooney Foundation for Justice is set on waging justice for vulnerable groups as well as pursuing “perpetrators of human rights abuses” as well as shining a light on the bravest defenders of justice.
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Picture: Twitter/@ThuliMadonsela3