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Ew South African Chief Justice ew south African Chief Justice 1997 saw the appointment of Judge was renowned for his appearance in a scious that the country is now irrevers­ Ismail Mahomed as the Chief Justice number of trials on behalf of leading ibly committed to a new constitutional of the Republic of South Africa. His anti-apartheid activists and his part in future, based on equality and freedom. appointment has been welcomed by the challenging administrative and execu­ The President and my country of birth Law Societies of South Africa, who tive decrees from the government. have deeply honoured me by appointing describe him as a "man of his time". This challenge has now turned into me to a very high judicial office which Justice Ismail Mahomed was admit­ that of restoring the faith of the people of would give me the oppoprtunity of giv­ ted to the Johannesburg Bar in 1957, as the Republic of South Africa in their ing effect to that commitment. I hope the bar in his home town of Pretoria was legal system, a challenge which he sees that I will be able to contribute to the reserved for whites. Even in Johannes­ as belonging to all lawyers in that coun­ urgent need to salvage the image of the burg, he was unable to occupy an office try, following the introduction of the law so that it in fact is, and is perceived at the bar because chambers were situ­ final Constitution, signed by President to be, a friend and protector of the peo­ ated in a 'whites only' area. In 1974, he Nelson Mandela on 16 December 1996. ple instead of an instrument of racial, was awarded silk, and was the first black Chief Justice Mahomed, in welcom­ gender or political oppression." person to be accorded this honour. ing delegates to a World Jurist seminar De Rebus, journal of the Law Soci­ He is acclaimed as an eminent jurist, in Capetown, said: "The new Constitu­ eties of the Republic of South Africa, having been appointed judge of the tion of our nation restores the legitamacy indicates the Societies' anticipation of a Appeal Court in Swaziland in 1975, and the majesty of the law and gives to "potential relationship with the Chief then Judge of Appeal in Lesotho in the judiciary a very crucial and inde­ Justice [that is] a far less indirect one 1982. He went on to become Chief pendent role in the protection of its than in the past", based on the gaining of Justice of Namibia and President of the humblest citizen from injustice, how­ supreme court rights of audience by Lesotho Court of Appeal. 1991 was the ever mighty and powerful be the agency attorneys, and continues "as equal play­ year of his appointment to the bench of from which it emanates and, indeed, ers ... in the legal profession" to wish the Supreme Court in South Africa and however formidable be the popularity him "strength to his arm". he continued to rise through the ranks which that agency might claim." until he was appointed Deputy President This theme continues that of his state­ of the Constitutional Court in 1995. ments on announcement of his appoint­ Source: De Rebus, December 1996 As an advocate, Ismail Mahomed ment where he said: "I am deeply con­ & February 1997 Letter to the Editor Significant Cash Thank you so much for the con­ Transaction Reporting for gratulations of you and your mem­ bers on my 50th celebrations, and Solicitors your flowers were lovely and such a delightful surprise. Please convey my thanks and ap­ The Australian Transactions Re­ Practitioners are reminded that preciation to you and all members of port and Analysis Centre the responsibility to ensure that there the Law Society. (AUSTRAC) advise that Royal As­ is prompt and accurate reporting of Mary Ridsdale sent has been given to the Amend­ such transactions rests with the so­ ment to the Financial Transactions licitor concerned and that refusal or Reports Act 1988 and that from 15 failure to report or the making of an May 1997, solicitors are required to incomplete, false or misleading state­ report cash transactions of $10,000 ment in this regard constitute an or more. offence. Have you joined the Copies of the Significant Cash AUSTRAC staff will assist so­ Qantas deal? Transaction Form 15A and the guide­ licitors and their employees with lines accompanying it are available any queries and the AUSTRAC Help Contact the Law Society for from the Law Society and from Desk can be contacted on tel: (02) further details. AUSTRAC. 9950 0827. April 1997.
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