Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga Bids the Bench Farewell with Humility and Honour

South Africa pays tribute to a gentle legal giant whose voice shaped our democracy

A Moment of Reflection in the Constitutional Court

On 31 July 2025, the Constitutional Court stood still, not in silence, but in honour. Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, one of the most respected legal minds in democratic South Africa, officially hung up his robes after 17 years on the bench, 12 of which were spent at the country’s apex court.

In a special ceremony led by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, colleagues, legal heavyweights, and government officials gathered to reflect on the legacy of a man who changed the tone of justice in this country. From the oak-paneled courtroom in Braamfontein, echoes of gratitude and admiration resonated beyond its walls.

Tributes from Every Corner of the Legal World

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and some of the nation’s top legal advocates, including Muzi Sikhakhane (Pan African Bar Association), Shamilla Batohi (NPA), Karrisha Pillay (Advocates for Transformation), Chris Mamathuntsha (Black Lawyers Association), Machini Motloung (NADEL), and Kgomotso Nhlapo-Merabe, didn’t just commend his intellect, but his heart.

They remembered a jurist who never forgot that behind every legal argument is a human being. In their words, Justice Madlanga wasn’t just a judge, he was a servant of the people. His clarity in writing, his nearly 60 thoughtful judgments, and his knack for making the law feel human earned him not just respect, but reverence.

The People’s Judge

Madlanga’s rulings helped shape South Africa’s democratic legal landscape, from affirming the rights of those in customary marriages to insisting on transparency in electoral processes. But more than his case law, it was his tone that resonated. He made law less intimidating, and justice more accessible.

In a legal culture sometimes criticised for aloofness, Justice Madlanga was refreshingly grounded. His judgments reflected empathy. His courtroom presence exuded calm authority. And his personal story, rising from humble beginnings in the Eastern Cape to the pinnacle of legal power, reminded young lawyers across the country that integrity, not privilege, earns respect.

From the Bench to the Battle Against Corruption

Even in retirement, Madlanga isn’t stepping out of public service. He’s set to chair the SAPS corruption inquiry — a mammoth task that will require both steel and sensitivity. And if his past is anything to go by, he’ll bring both in equal measure.

His exit from the Constitutional Court marks the end of an era, but not the end of his influence. As social media buzzed with #JusticeMadlanga and lawyers posted snippets of his most powerful judgments, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a farewell; it was a salute.

A Legacy That Transcends the Courtroom

In a world that increasingly demands not only sharp minds but kind hearts, Justice Madlanga’s legacy serves as a guiding light. He reminded us that justice isn’t just about rules, but about people. That authority doesn’t need arrogance. And that law, at its best, can be a force for dignity.

The robe may be retired, but the lessons live on.

{Source: IOL}

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