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Zondo deserves the chief justice post

Acting chief justice Raymond Zondo chaired the Judicial Service Commission rerun of interviews for two Constitutional Court posts, October 4 2021.
Acting chief justice Raymond Zondo chaired the Judicial Service Commission rerun of interviews for two Constitutional Court posts, October 4 2021.
Image: Thulani Mbele

The choice for the next chief justice will be decided soon. Deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo has the superb qualities to be our legal supremo. He is known to capture the people’s imagination like no other chief justice before. He has spawned a fan-following that can be the envy of a rock star or a screen diva.

Judge Zondo has litigated in cases that set the architecture of safeguarding the constitution from desecration. His legal career as an eminent jurist and a distinguished judge can be characterised as one that is a commitment to ideals and a dedication to purpose and service.

His numerous judgments are uniformly and meticulously researched and carefully reasoned. His decisions demonstrate that he protects the constitutional rights of any person or group, he favours neither the rich nor the poor, but rather accords equal justice to all.

There is no niche into which he can be placed other than the one designated “excellent”. Judicial temperament has been described as reflecting, patience, open-mindedness, courtesy, tact, courage, punctuality, humility, firmness, understanding and compassion. Zondo possesses all these traits.

His record clearly demonstrates that when adjudicating cases, he has no judicial timidity and applies the law as he sees it. His unfailing fairness, his humanity and his humility in wearing the privilege and power of high office without ever succumbing to pomposity or arrogance are always on display when he presides. Fearless and courageous, thorough and resolute, his judgments are always reference points for other judges and lawyers.

DCJ Zondo is an outstanding and dedicated patriot who serves our country with unswerving commitment.

His contributions to our constitutional law and jurisprudence are unrivalled. He provides superb leadership for the legal system, improves the delivery of justice for the people and he has earned the admiration of his colleagues throughout the judiciary.

Farouk Araie, Actonville, Benoni

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