A fitting farewell for three decades of interpreting
Colleagues and friends of Senior Court Interpreter, Nyiko Baloyi, bid him farewell last Friday after 31 years of service in the Department of Justice
MOKOPANE – When Baloyi addressed his colleagues he began with a short background of his career. He started his first working day in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 April 1986, and the very next day he was transferred to the Randburg Traffic Court.
“In 1992 I was transferred to the Hillbrow Court where I worked until 1995. From Hillbrow I was transfered to the High Court. I truly enjoyed my work in the High Court and did a lot of high profile cases. It was during this time at the High Court where I had to tell someone for the first and only time in my career that they had been sentenced to jail for 286 years.”
According to Baloyi one of the high profile cases that will stay with him for the rest of his life related to large amounts of platinum stolen and was investigated by Amplats in Washington DC. “It was the first case in South Africa done by satellite and all the witnesses were in Washington.”
Baloyi expressed his gratitude to the women at the Mokopane Magistrate Court who arranged a beautiful farewell festivity for him. “They did not leave the smallest detail unforeseen, not even the rose petals on the carpet.”
Baloyi said he had to work for 31 years before someone rolled the red carpet out for him.” You, the organising ladies have started a tradition which you will have to sustain, and please don’t wait for someone to work so long before you do something nice, do it for everybody. I liked the spirit we had between colleagues. We are all close and you are all my children, except a few dinosaurs,” he concluded with a big smile.
According to Annelies Swanepoel, Acting Chief Magistrate of Mogalakwena, Baloyi’s language skills were beyond reproach and he was always on time and professional. Swanepoel said: “We wish him happiness and success and that he has all the time in the world to travel in search of the best jazz festivals.”
Court Manager, Constance Maphanga, said: “Mr B, as a young court manager I learned from you everyday. Go home and enjoy your retirement, you earned it and you have been a pillar for all of us over the years.”
Rinandzu Makhuvele, Baloyi’s supervisor said: “Mr B, you have shown me the greatest respect as your supervisor even though I’m decades younger than you. When I did not know what to do you would always support me and lead me in the right direction. I am heartbroken, you were my right hand.”
According to Makhuvele, Baloyi speaks 11 languages and the court will be an empty place without him.
“He was truly loved by all.”
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
