BLACK LAWYERS WANT MORE THAN AN APOLOGY

Black Lawyers Association calls for dialogue after judge's racially charged outburst

- NICOLA DANIELS

THE Black Lawyers Association (BLA) says the apology issued by Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng, following his racially charged remarks in the Senzo Meyiwa murder trial, is insufficient.

Last week, Judge Mokgoatlheng expressed outrage in court after learning that defence advocate Charles Mnisi had written to his registrar, requesting to be excused from proceedings yesterday to participate in the Comrades Marathon.

"This is what happens in a South Africa run by blacks. I can tell you now, even if you call Uncle Tom, I don't think a white advocate will ever have the gall to ask me that. Never," he said.

The BLA did not take the comments lightly, calling out Judge Mokgoatlheng for launching "an extremely unfortunate attack on black lawyers".

They gave him seven days to withdraw his comments, threatening further action if he failed to do so.

"What the Judge might not be aware of is that the attacks on black lawyers are not only distasteful but threaten our economic survival as law is our business. We strongly reject the assertion made by Judge Mokgoatlheng that seeks to compare black and white lawyers in the carrying out of their duties, especially in court.