Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted with sadness the passing of former Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Justice Clement Temba Sangoni.
Judge Sangoni retired in 2017 and passed away earlier today, Tuesday, 10 June 2025, after a short illness at 78.
President Ramaphosa has offered his condolences to the extended family of the late Judge Sangoni Aah! Dilizintaba, who was a senior traditional leader of the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council at Mthatha.
President Ramaphosa said: “The passing of Justice Sangoni is a devastating loss to his family and immediate community and it is a profound loss to our judiciary and our legal heritage.
“Judge Sangoni lived for justice and the improvement of the material conditions of communities in the Eastern Cape and elsewhere through constitutionally sound, progressive jurisprudence.
“Under his leadership, the Judiciary in the Eastern Cape also applied its mind collectively and individually to matters pertaining to the development of this economically vital province.
“Judge Sangoni served the people of the Eastern Cape from the Bench and through his deep involvement in community life in his role as a traditional leader – a role which enriched his adjudication of a broad range of matters placed before the courts.
“We will continue to appreciate his contribution to the rule of law and the wisdom of law in our country and to the communities in which he lived and served with distinction.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, the Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said she has “learned with sadness” of the passing of Justice Sangoni.
Minister Kubayi extended her “heartfelt condolences” to the Sangoni family.
Minister Kubayi described the late Justice Sangoni as a stalwart of the judiciary and a respected senior traditional leader of the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council at Mthatha.
Minister Kubayi said that Justice Sangoni’s dedication to upholding the law and ensuring justice for all will be deeply missed.
“His passing is a profound loss, not only to the justice system, but also to the nation, especially to the people under the Qokolweni-Zimbane Traditional Council, whom he served with distinction and dedication, and who will remember him for his unwavering commitment to justice and community leadership,” said Minister Kubayi.
“The passing of Justice Sangoni leaves a vacuum in the justice fraternity that can never be filled. His contributions to the judiciary and the country at large will forever be remembered and cherished.”
Justice Sangoni’s remarkable career spanned over four decades, from his early days as a clerk in the Department of Justice to his appointment as Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division in 2010.
His leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping the judiciary and promoting access to justice.
Minister Kubayi further stated: “Justice Sangoni passes away at a critical time as South Africa is seized with efforts to expand access to justice.
“His passing comes as the Department intensifies its work on developing Traditional Courts Regulations aimed at transforming existing Traditional Courts to align them with the values and principles of the Constitution.
“Justice Sangoni, whose life and career bridged both the judicial and traditional leadership spheres, would have made a profound contribution to this important work.
“The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development joins the Sangoni family, relatives, friends, and colleagues in mourning the loss of this remarkable individual.”
In a related development, Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and the entire Judiciary mourned the passing of Justice Sangoni.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, Chief Justice Maya described the former Judge President of the Eastern Cape High Court, as
“a jurist of towering intellect, unwavering principle, and a dedicated servant of justice”.
Judge Sangoni’s illustrious career was marked by his profound commitment to the rule of law and the transformation of South Africa’s legal landscape.
Appointed as Judge President of the Eastern Cape High Court, he served with distinction until his retirement in 2017, leaving an indelible legacy in the annals of our legal system.
His leadership was instrumental in addressing systemic challenges within the Eastern Cape Judiciary, including case flow management and access to justice in historically marginalized regions such as Mthatha.
His life was a testament to the ideals of justice, humility, and service – principles he upheld as one of the three executors of Nelson Mandela’s estate, alongside Advocate George Bizos SC and Justice Dikgang Moseneke.
The Chief Justice extended heartfelt condolences to the Sangoni family, the Eastern Cape Judiciary, and the AbaThembu community.
“Judge Sangoni’s legacy is etched not only in the judgments he delivered but in the lives he touched and the dignity he brought to the profession,” the Chief Justice remarked.
“We are poorer for his passing but richer for his contributions.”
Details regarding memorial services will be communicated in due course.
The Judiciary, led by the Chief Justice, invites the public to join in honouring a life of profound purpose and enduring impact.
