KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government on the passing of Judge Thembile Skweyiya, who retired from the bench of the Constitutional Court on 5 May 2014
The Premier of the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Senzo Mchunu has on behalf of the Provincial Government has expressed sadness on the passing of Judge Thembile Skweyiya. The Premier wishes to express his deepest condolences to the Skweyiya family and friends, the Judiciary and the entire legal fraternity.
“We are saddened by this loss of one of the gallant fighters for social justice, equality and democratic governance in our country. His major contribution in the development of our jurisprudence and entrenchment of constitutionalism in South Africa, is notably in how he ensured that meaningful programs of mainstreaming human rights principles into domestic laws were advanced. He contributed immensely in giving effect to the Bill of Rights in our Constitution and adherence to the principle of the rule of law. As the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, we wish his family, friends and former colleagues in the legal fraternity strength during this difficult time,” said Premier Mchunu.
In his distinguished career as a human rights lawyer; and as a Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Natal and Eastern Cape divisions of the Supreme Court; and later the Constitutional Court, Judge Skweyiya leaves a remarkable record in public service. He used law to great effect as another key pillar of struggle and advancement of social justice for all irrespective of their status in society. We remain indebted to him for his service to humanity. His humility, integrity and upright sense of justice will be missed. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Our country is much poorer without him.
Enquiries:
Thamsanqa Ngwenya
Cell: 060 572 9881
