Tribute to Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
- Lulama Madyaka
CALS expresses its sadness at the passing of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro on Thursday, May 9th, 2024
Justice Mokgoro was a trailblazer for women and people of colour, having been the first Black woman judge appointed to the Constitutional Court of South Africa. She served in this position from 1994 to 2009, tirelessly upholding South Africa’s Constitution and the human rights guaranteed within it. Her jurisprudence in cases like Geldenhuys v National Director of Public Prosecutions is evidence of her unwavering commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights.
In addition to her legal career, she was involved in various civil society organisations and research initiatives. She also authored seminal articles like “Ubuntu and the Law in South Africa,” which centres ubuntu as a constitutional value and a means towards transforming our society. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.
Justice Mokgoro always made time for organisations like CALS, participating in symposiums and delivering keynote addresses at events like the Public Interest Law Gathering. Justice Mokgoro last visited CALS in 2019, when she delivered an impassioned talk on the barriers Black women in South Africa face in realising their socio-economic rights. She will be remembered fondly as a gentle and passionate jurist, who represented the spirit of ubuntu in all she did.
CALS extends its deepest condolences to Justice Mokgoro's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.