On 31 July 2025, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga retired after 17 years on the bench, with of them served 12 at the Constitutional Court, marking his final hearing with a special ceremony presided over by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and speeches by Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi.

Speeches from Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane of Pan African Bar Association of South Africa, Advocate Shamilla Batohi of the National Prosecuting Authority, Advocate Karrisha Pillay for Advocates for Transformation, Chris Mamathuntsha of the Black Lawyers Association, Machini Motloung from the National Association of Democratic Lawyers and Advocate Kgomotso Nhlapo-Merabe, all celebrated the jurist.

Colleagues praised his brilliant, accessible judgments – nearly 60 opinions overwhelmingly unanimous or commanding the majority – on weighty issues from contract and customary marriage to free speech, parliamentary privilege, electoral roll transparency, and socio-economic rights.

Advocates lauded his humility, empathy for the marginalised, and the dignity he restored to the law.

Through his conduct, he embodied fairness without rigidity and authority without arrogance, reminding the profession that the rule of law demands human compassion.

As he transitions to chairing the upcoming SAPS corruption inquiry, Justice Madlanga’s legacy of rigorous legal reasoning and profound humanity continues, inspiring future generations to uphold justice with integrity and empathy in courts and communities nationwide.

IOL

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