People from all walks of life together with the greater Grahamstown community joined representatives of the legal fraternity in celebration of the Main Seat of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court's 150th anniversary today, 28 November.
People from all walks of life together with the greater Grahamstown community joined representatives of the legal fraternity in celebration of the Main Seat of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court's 150th anniversary today, 28 November.
The event was attended by Provincial Judge President Themba Sangoni who gave the opening address in the Criminal Court at the High Court.
The Grahamstown 150-year Jubilee started off in the High Court at 9.30am with a special sitting of Criminal Court A.
The event was also attended by judges, representatives from the Bar Council, representatives of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), representatives of the Grahamstown Attorneys Association and newly-appointed Vice Chancellor of Rhodes University Dr Sizwe Mabizela.
A procession from the High Court to the Cathedral was led by Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali of Grahamstown. There he conducted a brief service. The Victoria Primary choir sang during the service came to an end.
The city's position as the seat of the High Court in the Eastern Cape was secured by the Superior Courts Act last year. It was a long-fought battle by the legal profession, civic leaders and Rhodes University.
Advocate Isak Smuts SC spoke on behalf of the Bar Council, attorney Justin Powers spoke on behalf of the Grahamstown Attorneys
Association and Advocate Nicky Turner for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The day's celebrations end with a VIP cocktail event.
