Her illustrious legal career will leave an indelible mark on the South African legal community. Her dedication to justice, equality, and human dignity has had a profound impact on our nation, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Immediately after the end of apartheid, Judge Mokkolo was appointed by President Mandela to the newly established Constitutional Court of South Africa, becoming the first black woman to serve on the bench. Her tenure spanned a full 15 years until her retirement in October 2009, a distinguished career dedicated to justice and equality.
A strong advocate of the rule of law and respect for the principles enshrined in the Constitution, Justice Mokkolo was a passionate supporter of reconciliation and national unity. In her 1995 trial, she said, “While South Africans have a deeply divided history marked by strife and conflict, one common value and ideal runs like a golden thread across cultural boundaries.'' , is the value of Ubuntu.'' .
In addition to his tireless career as a lawyer, Justice Mokkolo was a founding director of the Mandela Rose Foundation for 20 years. She contributes her valuable expertise, wisdom and passion to empowering the next generation of African leaders through education and leadership development. Her leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment to our organization have left a lasting mark on our work and values.
Judge Kate O'Regan, chair of the MRF, said: “While I am saddened by the passing of my dear legal colleague and sister, Judge Mokkolo, I also pay tribute to her remarkable life and enduring legacy. Her resolve never wavers, and so does her own.” May her personal integrity and her dedication be an inspiration to those around her and may her dedicated public service, moral courage, kindness and wisdom live on in those who follow in her footsteps. ”
MRF CEO Judy Sikuza added: “Words cannot express what this loss means to us as a foundation and to South Africa as a whole, especially as this year marks 30 years of democracy as a South African. “When I think about it,” he added. Judge Mokkolo was an inspiration to many, especially young black women. Her appointment in 1994 as the first black female judge in the history of the South African Constitutional Court gave us the mandate that we too can become anything we dream of as long as we contribute to the betterment of our country.
In my many years of association with her, she has shown deep insight, compassion, the pursuit of justice, and the courage to challenge us all to carry on Madiba's spirit to South Africans and Africans as a whole. I did. She will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Mama Wetu. As you always encourage us, we will never tire of our efforts to make this continent work for everyone. ”
Judge Mokkolo will be dearly missed by the Trustees, current and former staff of MRF, and the Mandela Rhodes Scholars with whom she interacted. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and her extended community of friends, whose lives we know have had as profound an impact as she has had on all of us at MRF. represents.
