Justice Zukisa Tshiqi has handed down her final judgment at the Constitutional Court, drawing the curtain on a distinguished judicial career that has spanned more than two decades.
The special sitting, held in her honour, brought together senior members of South Africa’s legal fraternity and judiciary to celebrate her contribution to the country’s legal system.
Over the course of her 21 years on the bench, Justice Tshiqi played a key role in shaping constitutional and labour law through a number of landmark judgments delivered across various courts, including the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court.
Justice Zukisa Tshiqi’s Judicial Journey And Legal Legacy
Justice Tshiqi’s legal career began in 1986. She was admitted as an attorney in 1991 before entering private practice and later advancing through the judicial ranks.
Her appointment as a High Court judge came in 2005 after serving in acting capacities in both the High Court and Labour Court.
Before joining the judiciary permanently, she spent more than a decade working as a commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and held positions within bargaining councils. She also contributed to the development of the judiciary through her work as a judicial trainer.
In 2019, she was appointed as a permanent judge of the Constitutional Court, where she continued to contribute to the country’s highest court until her retirement.
Senior Judges And Legal Leaders Pay Tribute To Justice Tshiqi
The commemorative sitting was attended by judges from across the country, alongside Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, and National Prosecuting Authority head Advocate Andy Mothibi.
Deputy Chief Justice Dunstan Mlambo reflected on Justice Tshiqi’s influence within the Constitutional Court, describing her as a valued colleague whose impact extended beyond her legal judgments.
“But her contribution to this court cannot be measured only through judgments and legal principle. Justice Tshiqi has been a valued colleague and an important presence within this institution.
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“That regal voice that you’ve just heard will forever be missed in this court chamber. Justice Tshiqi is personable and carries herself with restraint and discernment. She is patient and deeply considerate. She sees people.
“She has always been accommodating and consultative in her engagement with her colleagues and staff alike, fostering collegiality not through force of personality, but through respect and attentiveness. And alongside her thoughtfulness is a warmth and lightness. She is patient and deeply considerate. She sees people.”
Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, speaking on behalf of the Pan African Bar Association of South Africa (PABASA), added a lighter moment to the proceedings.
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Reflecting on Justice Tshiqi’s popularity within legal circles, Sikhakhane joked:
“Part of it is true; all I was asked to come and tell you is that we love you and your family.”
As Justice Tshiqi concludes her tenure on the Constitutional Court, attention now turns to the court’s next chapter.
Highly regarded advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi is expected to begin a two-term acting appointment at the Constitutional Court on Monday.
