Chief Justice Raymond Zondo delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the challenges of his career as he prepares for his retirement at the end of August. A farewell dinner was held in his honor on Tuesday night at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
The event was attended by notable figures, including former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Supreme Court of Appeals President Mahube Molemela, Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane.
During the emotional evening, Zondo paid tribute to those who supported him throughout his journey, particularly his late mother. He acknowledged the difficulties and disappointments he had faced, encouraging others in similar situations to persevere despite the challenges.
Zondo also reflected on his role as chairperson of the state capture commission of inquiry, describing it as a challenging task. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from the South African public, which motivated him to fulfill his responsibilities and not let the country down.
In his address, Zondo emphasized the importance of achieving institutional independence for the judiciary, a goal he prioritized during his interview for Chief Justice. To this end, he appointed a committee led by retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe to explore the issue. Although the recommendations have been handed over to the executive, Zondo acknowledged that progress on this front might not occur before his term ends, but he remains hopeful for the future.
Chief Justice Zondo will officially retire at the end of August, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career in South Africa’s judiciary.
Simelane praised Zondo for leading the State Capture Commission as the country tried to uphold the rule of law.
“This was a task which he undertook with dignity, with fairness and with integrity. The work of what is now known as the Zondo Commission remains integral to our efforts to rebuild our country in the wake of one of the most shameful periods in our democratic history.
“The Zondo Commission was an affirmation of our constitutional order, the rule of law and the strength of our institutions. The Commission did much more than reveal – in painstaking detail – the extent and nature of state capture,” she said.
The Minister added that the Commission began to restore society’s confidence in its ability to correct mistakes and to hold those responsible for wrongdoing to account.
“History will record that Chief Justice Zondo fulfilled his assigned responsibility with wisdom and diligence. But more than that. History will record that Chief Justice Zondo established a standard for probity in public affairs that will serve our country for many years to come,” the Minister said.
Simelane told the gathering that it was a great honour to pay tribute to a distinguished jurist and a dedicated champion of our democratic constitutional order.
“Through the service he has rendered the nation, through his conduct and his demeanour, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has earned the admiration, respect and gratitude of all South Africans,” she said.
Simelane added that the government’s task now is to follow in Zondo’s direction.
She highlighted that already, the government has done much to implement the recommendations of the commission.
“To ensure that our country may never again experience state capture, we have introduced and enacted legislation in critical areas such as public procurement, criminal justice, public administration and others.
“The law enforcement agencies have made important progress in investigating and prosecuting alleged perpetrators and have begun to recover stolen funds.
“As we continue and intensify this work, we are duty bound to entrench in all areas of public life the ethical standards that the Zondo Commission has helped to define,” she said.
Simelane wished Chief Justice Zondo the very best upon his retirement.
“The nation thanks you for your service. The bench, the legal fraternity and our country is all the richer for your contribution.
“We are confident that your important voice and wise counsel will not be lost to us in this new era in the life of our country,” the Minister said.