Yvonne Mokgoro was trailblazer who paved way for women lawyers - Judges Matter
The former Constitutional Court judge, who died on Thursday at the age of 73, made history in 1994 as the first black woman judge in the country.
FILE: Yvonne Mokgoro is sworn in at the first Constitutional Court's opening ceremony in Johannesburg 14 February 1995. Picture: PHILIP LITTLETON / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Judges Matter has described former Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro as a trailblazer who paved the way for women in law.
Mokgoro died in hospital on Thursday at the age of 73.
She made history in the judiciary in 1994, following her appointment by former President Nelson Mandela as the first black woman judge in the country.
Judges Matter said Mokgoro had left a great legacy and an example for judges.
Mokgoro was a member of the first Constitutional Court bench in the country and continued to play important roles in the legal fraternity after her retirement in 2009.
Judges Matter's Mbekezile Benjamin conveyed his condolences to the family.
"She was an inspiration to many in South Africa, particularly to women lawyers, and she devoted a lot of her time to inspiring younger people to become human rights lawyers."
Her family said Mokgoro was involved in a car crash in 2023, leading to health complications while she was in hospital.
The family thanked South Africans for their support during this difficult time.