Justice Zukisa Tshiqi hangs up her robe

Added: 2026-05-31

[00:00:00]After delivering her final judgement, members of the judiciary and invited guests paid tribute to the retiring Justice Zukisa Tshiqi. Those paying tribute included representatives from Advocates for Transformation, the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, the Pan African Bar Association, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development.

[00:00:28]Leading the tributes was Deputy Chief Justice Dunstan Mlambo.

[00:00:33]>> As we mark this special sitting in your honor, Zibula, we express our gratitude for the years of service you have given.

[00:00:45]Your contribution to this court and your enduring commitment to justice included.

[00:00:51]You leave behind a legacy of principled judicial service, of which this court, the judiciary, and the country will be proud of.

[00:01:02]>> Having served over 20 years in the country's highest courts, Justice Tshiqi has been hailed for her work in children's rights, labor laws, and for pushing the country's judiciary forward.

[00:01:15]>> The body of work that Justice Tshiqi has produced as a member of the judiciary speaks for itself, and we too can claim that we recognize her and know her where she stands on issues.

[00:01:29]She has written judgements ranging from children's rights through labor rights to right to equality. These judgements have fundamentally transformed our society in a way that has accelerated our country's pace towards a truly equal society.

[00:01:47]>> The woman of the hour took the opportunity to thank her colleagues from all the courts she had previously served in, as well as to extend her gratitude to her family for their constant support.

[00:01:58]>> I'm now overwhelmed.

[00:02:01]And I don't know what to say.

[00:02:05]But I thank you very much.

[00:02:08]And to my children, thank you guys for always protecting me.

[00:02:16]Thank you for always understanding my unavailability and my lack of focus most of the time.

[00:02:24]And I know that we are still continuing to protect me and to give me love.

[00:02:31]And thank you very much.

[00:02:33]>> The retiring judge will officially end her term on the 31st of May.

[00:02:38]Zora Khumalo, SABC News, Johannesburg.