Retiring Chief Justice Zondo recalls challenges and disappointments in his career

JOHANNESBURG - Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has spoken of the challenges of his career in a moving address ahead of his retirement at the end of August.

A farewell dinner was held in the outgoing Chief Justice’s honour in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on Tuesday night.

Among the speakers were 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.

Zondo will retire at the end of August.

A visibly emotional Zondo on Tuesday night paid tribute to those who had helped him along his journey, first and foremost, his late mother.

Speaking at his official farewell dinner, Zondo told those in attendance that it had not been an easy road and that he had faced challenges and endured disappointment but encouraged others in similar circumstances to persevere.

He also reflected on his time as chairperson of the state capture commission of inquiry, describing it as difficult, saying he had been buoyed by the support received from the South African public at large and driven not to let the country down.

Zondo further honed in on efforts to achieve institutional independence of the judiciary, which he identified as a priority in his interview for Chief Justice. 

During his term as head of the judiciary, Zondo appointed a committee led by retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe to look at the issue and has now handed the resultant recommendations over to the executive. 

Zondo told attendees on Tuesday night that he had accepted nothing would happen before he saw out his term but that he was hopeful progress would be made in the future.