The outgoing Constitutional Court Chief Justice Raymond Zondo said he is proud of his 27-year service in the legal profession.
Zondo was speaking during a Special Ceremonial Sitting of the Constitutional Court in his honour.
He was appointed as a Justice to the Concourt in 2012, then Deputy Chief Justice in 2017, and Chief Justice in 2022.
“During my term of office, I’ve sought to uphold the constitution, rule of law, and fight for the independence of the judiciary.
Throughout the time I’ve been very clear in my own mind that it was my duty to do so, even if it cost me enemies in the process.
When one chooses to accept appointment as a judicial officer, whether magistrate or judge, one has to appreciate the honour that goes with that,” said Zondo.
An emotional Zondo cited his humble beginnings, describing them as difficult and thanked the support from his parents and good Samaritans.
He also spoke about challenges on the bench, citing some of the personal criticism he received when he chaired the State Capture Commission.
He dismissed insinuations that the judiciary is captured, adding that such comments only come from sectors who
“Some sections of the society make all kinds of allegations against the judiciary, that it is captured, or some judges are captured.
The judiciary works very hard and performs its functions the way it should.
Society must reject all those people who keep on making all kinds of accusations against the judiciary, when they have no evidence.
When they have been called upon to produce evidence, and they don’t have the evidence, but they keep on making allegations that some judges or the judiciary is captured,” explained a visibly angry Zondo.
He urged that people who make such unfounded allegations, must be rejected by the society, and urged them to follow proper processes to lodge their complaints.
As a parting gift to him, Zondo called on members of the judiciary and colleagues to respect their work.
“They must remain faithful to their oath of office, uphold the constitution, no matter what.
They will uphold the rule of law, they will fight for the independence of the judiciary, and they will adjudicate cases in accordance with the constitution and the law,” pleaded Zondo.
Zondo’s tenure at the helm of the Concourt came to an end on 31st August, and was succeeded by his Deputy, Mandisa Maya becoming the first woman to head up the highest court in the country.
