Outgoing Chief Justice Zondo will leave 'profound void' in the judiciary

On Wednesday, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo handed down his last judgment and to mark the occasion, a special ceremonial sitting of the Constitutional Court took place in his honour.

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo facilitates the swearing-in of the new Deputy President, Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers as Members of the National Executive at a ceremony held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, on 3 July 2024. Picture: GCIS

JOHANNESBURG - Incoming Chief Justice Mandisa Maya says the outgoing incumbent, Raymond Zondo, will leave a “profound void” in the judiciary.

Zondo is set to retire at the end of August, after which Maya has been appointed to succeed him.

READ: Retiring Chief Justice Zondo recalls challenges and disappointments in his career

On Wednesday, he handed down his last judgment and to mark the occasion, a special ceremonial sitting of the Constitutional Court took place in his honour.

Maya opened the proceedings, saying his colleagues were sad to see him go.

"We are sad to bid you farewell, Chief Justice. Your departure will leave a profound void in the judiciary and will be deeply felt by all of us who have had the privilege of working closely with you.

"We will miss you but as the old African adage goes, we need to part and now we must let you go home to your dear wife and children, whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude for so generously sharing their precious time with you with the nation."