The Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), Mr Mfanozelwe Shozi on behalf of the Commission sends his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the late former Chief Justice Pius Langa. He will sorely be missed by those who had embraced him and those that he had embraced over the years. His death is a big loss to the legal fraternity.
He was indeed a legend in his time and a true pioneer of our democratic dispensation and Constitution. Together with his team they made ground breaking pronouncements on gender related matters. It was under his watch that the judgement on the Shilubane Chieftancy case, which raised controversial issues of the role of patriarchy in determining legitimate heirs to the throne, was passed. This judgement heralded a new era in terms of rights of succession in matters of Chieftancy in South Africa.
Such was the nature of the man who wanted to see that the Constitution and what it embodied was respected at all times with his selfless contribution to Constitutional jurisprudence. With a career that spans over decades, his expertise, mental agility and spirit continuously soared until his untimely death; leaving a legacy that will be difficult to surpass. It is through heroes like him that today we have the CGE, which has to ensure that whatever he fought for should not be in vain. As the Commission, we mourn and henceforth celebrate a life well spent. Indeed, he will surely be missed across the globe.
On behalf of the Commission for Gender Equality, we will keep him in our memory as a beacon of constitutional justice.
Rest in Peace!
