Yvonne Mokgoro, former Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, died on Thursday, 9 May 2024, at the age of 73.
Yvonne Mokgoro dies: What’s the cause of death
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Justice Yvonne Mokgoro’s death comes after a serious car accident in April 2023 near Kimberley, which significantly impacted her health.
Despite being discharged from the hospital in June 2023, she faced ongoing health challenges which led her to withdraw from public engagements.
Her passing marks a significant loss to the legal community and the nation.
Yvonne Mokgoro biography
Born on 19 October 1950, in Galeshewe, Kimberley, Yvonne Mokgoro was a pioneering figure in South African law.
She was the first in her family to finish high school and went on to break barriers in higher education and the legal profession.
Mokgoro graduated with a BJuris in 1982 and an LLB in 1984 from the University of Bophuthatswana, now North-West University.
She worked various jobs, including as a clerk and maintenance officer, before her appointment as a lecturer and later as an associate professor.
Her most notable contribution came when Nelson Mandela appointed her to the first Constitutional Court of South Africa in 1994, where she served until 2009.
Mokgoro was instrumental in several landmark rulings, particularly those affecting the rights of women and children.
Beyond the bench, she chaired the South African Law Reform Commission, contributed to international law through her work with the United Nations, and supported various humanitarian causes.
Reactions to Mokgoro’s death
The death of Justice Mokgoro has elicited a profound response from across South Africa and beyond.
Leaders in law, politics, and civil society have expressed their condolences and highlighted her contributions to justice and equality.
Her family released a statement through her son, Ithateng Mokgoro, acknowledging her as a “principled servant” whose legacy in justice will continue to influence society.
The legal community and her colleagues from the Constitutional Court and other international bodies have praised her integrity and commitment to human rights.
Here are more reactions from social media:
