President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the passing of retired Constitutional Court Justice and Esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab Yvonne Mokgoro.

Mokgoro passed away on Thursday at the age of 73, following an extended period of illness arising from a vehicle accident.

“On behalf of government, President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Prof Job Mokgoro and the late Justice’s immediate and extended family, as well as her many associates in the legal fraternity in South Africa and abroad,” said spokesperson to the President Vincent Magwenya.

Mokgoro was a judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa from its inception in 1994 until the end of her 15-year term in 2009.

In 2015 she was inducted as a Member of the Order of the Baobab in Bronze for her contribution to the field of law and administration of justice in a democratic South Africa.

“Justice Mokgoro’s passing deprives our nation of a formidable intellect and impeccable jurist who served our democracy at its very inception and through the years that followed,” said Ramaphosa.

He noted that as a black female judge, Mokgoro was a pioneering embodiment of and contributor to the transformation of the country and the legal system and new jurisprudence that enabled the transformation.

“Justice Mokgoro distinguished herself as an academic, a justice of our apex court, chairperson of the South African Law Commission and as a strategic adviser to a diversity of boards in different sectors,” Ramaphosa explained.

The Press Council of South Africa executive director Latiefa Mobara offered condolences to Justice Mokgoro’s family and colleagues, describing her as an eminent jurist and a “great woman who gave selflessly” to the Press Council.

“…and to all the other bodies on which she served, after her retirement from the Constitutional Court. She was generous, charming and considered in her advice and was highly regarded by all who met her. She will be sorely missed as a great South African,” said Mobara.

The African National Congress has joined the judiciary, the legal fraternity and all citizens in mourning the passing of Mokgoro.

“As an organisation we pride ourselves with our respect for the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary as the cornerstone of our democracy. We dip our flag in mourning. Condolences to the Mokgoro family, her colleagues and all South Africans,” said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.

Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development advocate Glynnis Breytenbach said Mokgoro's passing was a profound loss for South Africa, as she left behind a legacy of integrity, wisdom and immense contributions to the nation's legal landscape.

"As a pioneering member of the Constitutional Court and the first black female Justice to serve on that esteemed bench, Justice Mokgoro blazed trails and shattered barriers, embodying the spirit of equality and justice for all. Her remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law have left an indelible mark on our society," said Breytenbach. 

The Inkatha Freedom Party conveyed its deepest sympathies to Mokgoro's immediate family during this time of bereavement.

"We join the nation in mourning the loss of one of our respected female legal minds as she will be remembered for her contribution in the field of law and the administration of justice," it said. 

The Public Investment Corporation said Mokgoro will be remembered for her sterling work in leading an Advisory Panel that monitored the PIC’s implementation of the Mpati Commission findings and recommendations.

The Corporation explained that her advisory role to the PIC Board was invaluable and demonstrated her legal aptitude and her profound commitment to justice and the rule of law.