Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, on behalf of the South African Judiciary, has expressed deep sadness at the passing of retired Judge President Achmat Naeem Jappie, describing him as a distinguished jurist who served the people of South Africa with honour and integrity.
The former KwaZulu-Natal Judge President passed away on Wednesday.
Jappie was first appointed to the bench in 1998.
He served as Deputy Judge President and was later appointed Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court. He was also appointed as an Acting Judge of the Constitutional Court and had a short stint at the Labour Appeal Court.
The judiciary has extended its heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of Jappie, whose passing is described as a great loss to the Judiciary and the legal profession.
22 April 2026
Media Statement
THE SOUTH AFRICAN JUDICIARY MOURNS THE PASSING OF RETIRED JUDGE PRESIDENT ACHMAT NAEEM JAPPIE
The Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya on behalf of the South African Judiciary, has expressed deep sadness at the… pic.twitter.com/BFyhSRYqll
— RSAJudiciary (@OCJ_RSA) April 22, 2026
I extend my deep condolences to the family, friends, former colleagues, and associates of Achmat Naeem Jappie, former Judge President of KwaZulu-Natal, who has passed away at the age of 70.
Justice Jappie was a longstanding champion of justice in our nation through his rich…
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) April 22, 2026
#Judiciary #mourns #retired #KZN #Achmat #Naeem #Jappies #passing #SABC #News
