DIGNITARIES from government and the judiciary descended on Goqwana village in Tsolo yesterday to pay their last respects to Land Claims Judge President Fikile Bam.

Speaking at the funeral service, termed a celebration of Bam's life, Constitutional Court Judge Mogoeng Mogoeng described Bam as a legal giant.

"Today is a particularly sad day for the judiciary because a legal giant has fallen," Mogoeng said.

He said Bam dedicated his life to selfless service to humanity, nation building and reconciliation of the people of South Africa.

"Bam spent over a decade on Robben Island because of his quest for us to get freedom, peace and prosperity."

Mogoeng said the fact that Bam was born and died in rural areas brought into sharp contrast the aspirations of rural poor people in relation to accessing justice.

"It must provoke a need to go back to our roots and to reconsider how justice can be made accessible to all. Justice continues to be largely inaccessible to the vast majority of the rural poor. Courts are far removed from where they live and legal representation is still but a dream in certain areas," Mogoeng said.

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe said Bam fought fearlessly against apartheid.

"Indeed, without a doubt we have feelings of great loss. He was a true son of the soil. His infallible spirit will be an inspiration for generations to come."

Mourners included former president Thabo Mbeki, his deputy Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and members of his erstwhile cabinet.

Former chief justice Pius Langa, Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, former president Nelson Mandela's wife Graca Machel, Bishop Mvume Dandala, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Correctional Services Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and her husband Charles Nqakula and Eastern Cape premier Noxolo Kieviet were also there.

Bam, who died aged 74, was incarcerated on Robben Island for 10 years before his release in 1974. He served for 15 years as judge president of the Land Claims Court.