DURBAN – President Cyril Ramaphosa joined the South African public in saluting Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng for his steadfast service and dedication on the eve of his retirement.
After 10 years in service to his country, today marks Mogoeng’s last day in office.
Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation to Mogoeng for his service to the nation and said on behalf of all South Africans, he “wishes the Chief Justice well in his retirement.”
“Today we pay tribute to Chief Justice Mogoeng for endowing South African jurisprudence and the democratic order more broadly with judicial integrity and resilience which has impacted positively on the lives of citizens and advanced accountability,” he said.
Ramaphosa said following a decade of outstanding service and leadership, Mogoeng leaves a rich legacy for South Africa’s democratic culture, judiciary, the legal profession and ordinary South Africans.
“Chief Justice Mogoeng’s leadership inspired a judiciary that was fearless in holding those in power to account and empathetic to the plight of individuals and groups in our society. This has deepened international regard for South African jurisprudence, for the integrity, effectiveness and efficiency of our democratic institutions, and for the separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.
He said Mogoeng presided over the country’s judiciary during a decade which was challenging in many ways, but during which the judiciary held firm and enabled the renewal of our society.
“Having served the nation with such distinction since September 2011, Chief Justice Mogoeng is now able to devote himself to more his personal interests, even though we know he will continue to be an important figure and voice in public life. We wish him well,” said Ramaphosa.
South Africans joined the president in saluting Mogoeng on Twitter.
@Ab_Mjobi said: “Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.... The man who stood firm in his faith and served our Country with great distinction.... We can only hope that the next CJ takes the baton and do better.... The independence and transformation of the Judiciary is of great importance.”
@Gaabie_1 said: “My respect for Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng a wise man with integrity. We thank you for your service Rre Mogoeng, continue to preach the Gospel.
@ICE_TALI said: “Whoever is going to try to fill Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng shoes as the Chief Justice must have a pedigree of the highest Order. This man was inches away from being in Excellency Fare Thee Well African Giant.”
@danielmatlho said: “Thank you Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, you epitomised courage and being true to your principles. An incorruptible soul. Thank you.”
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng demonstrated, with distinction, the holding of a high office from the African and church perspective. He refused to suffocate his spirit. Fare thee well, mister. You only erred because to err is human.
Farewell to Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng thank you for standing up for the truth when it was not fashionable to do so. ✊🏾![CDATA[]]>🙏![CDATA[]]>🏾
— YountuSnr 🎶 (@ThabangYountu) October 11, 2021
We wish you ALL the BEST. pic.twitter.com/Fi2tWLniH1
The Best thing that Zuma ever done for South Africa was to Appoint Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng. pic.twitter.com/wf4ApKrrRi
— Battalion 54 (@54Battalion) October 11, 2021
The Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng served the country well. He did his job and held strong personal opinions and was unshaken by anyone. Go well Chief. pic.twitter.com/AHoSRNpuo6
THE MERCURY