Johannesburg, May 9, 2024— The Mokgoro and Buffel families are deeply saddened to announce the passing of their cherished sister, mother, grandmother, and esteemed former Constitutional Court Justice, Yvonne Mokgoro, earlier this afternoon. Surrounded by her loving family, Justice Mokgoro peacefully passed away in frail care facility.
Justice Mokgoro's journey was marked by profound dedication to the pursuit of justice and equality. A pioneer in her field, she made history as the first black woman judge on the inaugural Constitutional Court bench. Following her retirement from the bench in 2009, she continued to make indelible contributions to legal and civil society spheres, both locally and internationally.
In April 2023, Justice Mokgoro was involved in a serious car accident near Kimberley, which precipitated subsequent health challenges during her hospitalization. Regrettably, these setbacks necessitated her withdrawal from public engagements.
Beyond her judicial endeavors, Justice Mokgoro's impact extended across borders. She chaired esteemed bodies such as the South African Law Reform Commission, served on the benches of Lesotho and Namibia, and assumed significant roles in global initiatives, including chairing the United Nations Internal Justice Council and leading the International Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law.
Moreover, Justice Mokgoro was deeply committed to nurturing future legal minds and leaders. Her involvement with institutions like the Mandela-Rhodes Trust and her dedication to teaching internationally underscored her passion for empowering the next generation.
Reflecting on her legacy, her son, Ithateng Mokgoro, remarked, “Our family, and indeed the nation, mourn the loss of a principled champion of justice, whose influence will endure in shaping our society. We are grateful for the outpouring of support received during these challenging months and humbly request continued thoughts and prayers for our family.”
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming in due course.