Tag Archives: Justice Yvonne Mokgoro

Judge Yvonne Mokgoro to be laid to rest on Thursday 

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Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro 

By BAKANG MOKOTO 

The Republic of South Africa (RSA) president, Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late retired Constitutional Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1. Mokgoro, who was an esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab, passed away on 9 May 2024 at the age of 73.

Ramaphosa spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya said in recognition of Mokgoro’s distinguished career and contribution to the nation, Ramaphosa has declared, in terms of Chapter 1.3.2(a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, that the late justice be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1.

“The distinguishing features of a special official funeral in this category include ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Ramaphosa has also declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country from 19 May 2024, until the evening of the funeral on 23 May 2024.

“Further details of the funeral, which will be held in Johannesburg, will be made known in due course. Mokgoro was one of the first Justices to be appointed to the Constitutional Court when it was established in 1994. She was also the first black woman judge of the apex court,” he said.

Magwenya further said during Mokgoro’s legal career, she taught a number of law courses at universities in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. He added that she was a member of the International Women’s Association (Washington DC), the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the South African Women Lawyers Association. 

“In 2006, she was selected as an icon of the history of Women Lawyers in South Africa,” said Magwenya.

Meanwhile, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape said Mokgoro’s partner, David Mmelesi might face charges of culpable homicide. This comes after she was horribly injured in a car accident near Warrenton in Northern Cape last year. 

This forced her to withdraw from any public engagement to focus on her recovery. However, she passed away recently and Mmelesi, who was allegedly the driver during a car crash, was charged for reckless and negligent driving. 

Mmelesi is currently out on warning.

The NPA spokesperson in Northern Cape, Mojalefa Senokoatsane said: “He is criminally charged and facing one count of reckless and negligent driving. There is a possibility of amending his charges to culpable homicide following the death of the judge. 

“The accused will be back in the Barkley West Magistrate’s Court on 30 May 2024. Mmelesi briefly appeared on a J175 and is currently on warning.”

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‘Mokgoro will be remembered as a defender of constitutional democracy’ 

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Picture: The retired ConCourt Judge, the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro/Google

By OBAKENG MAJE 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) said the passing of retired ConCourt Judge, Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, is a profound loss for South Africa. Mokgoro passed away on 9 May 2024. She was injured after being involved in a terrible car accident in 2023. 

DA Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and MP, Adv Glynnis Breytenbach said the DA extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mokgoro. Breytenbach further her passing is a profound loss for South Africa, as she leaves behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom, and immense contributions to our nation’s legal landscape.

“As a pioneering member of the Constitutional Court and the first black female Justice to serve on that esteemed bench, Mokgoro blazed trails and shattered barriers, embodying the spirit of equality and justice for all. Her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law have left an indelible mark on our society.

“We mourn the tragic loss of Mokgoro and join countless others in honouring her remarkable life and legacy. May her family find solace in the knowledge that her impact will endure for generations to come. She will be deeply missed,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Amos Masondo and the acting National Assembly (NA) speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli, said the passing of one of South Africa’s most distinguished jurists and academics was a devastating loss, not only to her family but to the entire nation. 

“Starting her career as an administrative clerk, Mokgoro studied part-time. Her tenacity and hard work paid off as she eventually became an intellectually distinguished academic with two master’s degrees.

“Mokgoro was part of the first generation of black woman judges at the Constitutional Court. She served on the apex court for 15 years until her retirement in 2009. She was a fierce advocate for women’s rights and fought tirelessly for their recognition in society,” said Tsenoli.

Masondo further said Mokgoro’s have both sharp and impeccable judicial prowess. Masondo added that her judgments, an acute moral and social consciousness, were restorative and progressive. 

“They were aimed at social redress and defending human rights. She was awarded the Order of the Baobab in Bronze by former President Jacob Zuma in 2015, in recognition of her excellent contribution to law and the administration of justice in a democratic South Africa.

“Mokgoro will be remembered as a defender of our constitutional democracy who used her skills and influence to advance the voice of the voiceless. Her dedication and patriotic contributions to South Africa and work ethic will forever be etched in our minds and is worth emulation by all.  May her soul rest in peace,” he said.

Masondo said parliament sends its condolences to the family and friends of Mokgoro and wishes that they find solace and comfort during this difficult time.

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