Chief Justice Maya pays tribute to ‘dedicated jurist’ Judge Jappie

A distinguished jurist who served the people of South Africa with honour and integrity.

This is how Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has described late KwaZulu-Natal judge Achmat Naeem Jappie who died on Wednesday.

Judge Jappie, who was retired judge president of the KZN division, died in hospital after a short illness at the age of 70. He was also laid to rest on Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ), Chief Justice Maya expressed deep sadness at his passing. 

Sharing a brief history, the statement said Judge Jappie was born in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape and shortly thereafter moved to Durban.

It said he was appointed to the Bench in 1998 and went on to serve the people of South Africa with distinction for more than two decades.

“During his judicial career, 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, reflecting the confidence placed in his leadership and legal expertise.

“Judge Jappie was widely admired for his calm temperament, fairness, humility, and commitment to justice. He earned the respect of colleagues, legal practitioners, and court users alike for his integrity and deep knowledge of the law.”

The OCJ said following his retirement in 2021, Judge Jappie continued to serve the country, including as chairperson of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal.

“His passing is a great loss to the Judiciary and the legal profession. He will be remembered for his dedicated service, principled leadership, and lasting contribution to the administration of justice in South Africa.

“The judiciary extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife Judge Soraya Hassim, his children, family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service.”

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