Outgoing Chief Justice had integrity and did not flinch from making difficult decisions - deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke

The Constitutional Court paid tribute to Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo on Thursday after he passed down his last judgment in the court.

“We are here to mark and pay tribute to our most esteemed colleague,” deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke said at the formal farewell ceremony in Johannesburg. “This is a time honoured tradition.”   

Former chief justices Pius Langa and Arthur Chaskalson attended the ceremony as well as former constitutional court judges Albie Sachs and Richard Goldstone.

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe was also in attendance.

“A judge must dig deep to make sure that only justice flows from  his pen... [He] more than surpasses these qualities,” Moseneke said during a tribute to Ngcobo.

He said Ngcobo had integrity and did not flinch from making difficult decisions.

“He was faithful to his own apotheosis.  

“Farewell and God Bless,” Moseneke said.

The Constitutional Court was full as members of the Law Society of SA, General Council of the Bar, Constitutional Court judges and many high court judges from around the country and those from the Supreme Court of Appeals came to say goodbye.

President Jacob Zuma in July extended Ngcobo’s term of office for five years but after controversy over the decision Ngcobo declined the offer.

Zuma is in Burundi for a state visit.