GALA's Patron, Justice Edwin Cameron steps down from the bench of the Constitutional Court

Today (Tuesday, August 20th, 2019) we join all South Africans in acknowledging the role of GALA’s patron, Justice Edwin Cameron, in the struggle toward freedom, justice and equality for all.  Justice Cameron has dedicated his working life to creating a better life for all South Africans and his contribution to the furthering the rights of LGBTIQ people will leave a lasting legacy. Justice Cameron has always been a strong advocate for the reclaiming of our queer history through the archive. We wish Justice Cameron all the best as he retires from the bench. 

“Pivotal to our emergence from the shadows of hatred, religious opprobrium and legal condemnation has been that we are seen and heard – our visibility and vocality:  and that is why GALA and its twenty years are so important. GALA has treasured a history that was previously unseen.  It has nurtured our memories and recognised our pain and valued our joy.  Politically, it is a source of visibility and proud assertion.  It is of critical importance, not only to South Africa, but to the whole continent.  Its resources enable reflection and memory and understanding, which all are vital to our still-unwon struggle against hatred and persecution in Africa.” 

Justice Edwin Cameron at the Opening of ‘Out the Box: Celebrating 20 years of GALA’ exhibition, 15 November 2017.

The Constitutional Court held a special sitting in honour of Justice Edwin Cameron, follow the proceedings here.

 

On behalf of The GALA Archive staff and board of trustees, executive director Keval Harie penned an open letter to our patron Justice Cameron to thank him and wish him well. Read the open letter to Edwin here or on the Mail&Guardian.