Zuma praises Chief Justice Ngcobo

OUTGOING Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo had been passionate about achieving the constitutional right of equality before the law for all, including the poor and marginalised, President Jacob Zuma said as he paid tribute to the retiring judge.

"We agree with Chief Justice Ngcobo that even the poorest of the poor must have access to the courts," Zuma said in a statement.

"They must receive quality justice and they must attain relief speedily.

"Chief Justice Ngcobo has served in a distinguished manner as an attorney, advocate, judge of various courts, law lecturer and ultimately as the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa," the president said.

Ngcobo chose to retire after reaching the end of his term as chief justice with the Constitutional Court, even though Zuma had extended his term of office for another five years.

A new chief justice has yet to be appointed pending consultations with the Judicial Service Commission and political parties in Parliament.