Johannesburg: Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has, on behalf of the South African Judiciary, expressed sadness at the passing of retired Judge President Achmat Naeem Jappie. Jappie died on Wednesday at the age of 70, following a short illness.
According to South African Government News Agency, "His passing is a great loss to the Judiciary and the legal profession. He will be remembered for his dedicated service, principled leadership, and lasting contribution to the administration of justice in South Africa," the Office of the Chief Justice said in a statement.
The retired judge was appointed to the bench in 1998 in post-apartheid South Africa and served for more than two decades before his retirement. "During his judicial career, he served as Deputy Judge President and was later appointed Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court."
"He was also appointed as an Acting Judge of the Constitutional Court and had a short stint at the Labour Appeal Court, reflecting the confidence placed in his leadership and legal expertise. Judge Jappie was widely admired for his calm temperament, fairness, humility, and commitment to justice. He earned the respect of colleagues, legal practitioners, and court users alike for his integrity and deep knowledge of the law," the statement read.
The respected jurist retired in 2021 but continued to serve as Chairperson of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal. "The Judiciary extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife Judge Soraya Hassim, his children, family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service," the statement concluded.