Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the death penalty has no place in South Africa's constitutional democracy as it was barbaric.
Those who call for the return of the death penalty must understand that they are asking for South Africa to return to barbarism. Capital punishment has no place in a humane constitutional democracy.
Speaking at the Gallows lecture in Gqeberha, she asserted that capital punishment has no place in South Africa's constitutional democracy.
The event commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Constitution and honoured activists executed under apartheid. Kubayi acknowledged the progress made in nation-building while highlighting the significant challenges that remain.
“Those who lost their lives during the dark days of our struggle died convinced that their contribution to the struggle will one day help to build a foundation for a new society… They died comforted by the knowledge that they were part of a large army of patriotic Africans, confident that their comrades would pick up the spear and continue with the struggle to build a better life for all. They died so that what happened to them should not happen to future generations.”
