Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi “Ray” Zondo |
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Ixopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Spouse | Married |
| Children | Four |
| Education | B. Iuris (University of Zululand); LLB (University of Natal); LLM in Labour Law (cum laude), LLM in Commercial Law, LLM in Patent Law (University of South Africa) |
| Occupation | Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa |
Early Life and Education
Chief Justice Ray Zondo was born on May 4, 1960, in Ixopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. He completed his secondary and high school education at St Mary’s Seminary in Ixopo, where he matriculated. Pursuing his passion for law, Zondo studied at the University of Zululand, the University of Natal (now University of Kwa-Zulu Natal), and later at the University of South Africa, achieving several degrees including B. Iuris, LLB, and multiple LLM degrees with specializations in Labour Law, Commercial Law, and Patent Law.
Professional Career
Chief Justice Zondo began his legal career with articles of clerkship under Mrs. Victoria Mxenge in Durban. Following her tragic assassination by apartheid agents, he continued his legal training at Mthembu & Partners and Chennels Alberton Attorneys. Upon admission as an attorney, he became a partner at Mathe and Zondo Incorporated in Durban, practicing law until his appointment to the judiciary.
In 1991 and 1992, Justice Zondo served on committees of the Goldstone Commission, investigating public violence and intimidation during South Africa’s transition. His contributions to law reform continued with his appointment to the Ministerial Task Team, where he played a pivotal role in drafting the Labour Relations Act of 1995.
Chief Justice Zondo’s judicial career commenced in 1997 when he was appointed as an Acting Judge of the Labour Court, later becoming a Judge of the Labour Court and then the Transvaal Provincial Division of the High Court (now the North Gauteng Division of the High Court). He served as Judge President of the Labour Appeal Court and Labour Court from 2000 to 2010, overseeing significant reforms and organizational efforts within the judiciary.
In 2012, Justice Zondo was appointed as a Judge of the Constitutional Court, where he served until his elevation to Deputy Chief Justice of South Africa in 2017. On April 1, 2022, he assumed office as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, marking a pinnacle in his judicial career.
Other Contributions
Beyond his judicial duties, Chief Justice Zondo has contributed extensively to legal literature, publishing articles and chapters in books. He has been recognized for his contributions to human rights and legal reform in South Africa, receiving accolades such as the KZN Legal Forum Award in March 2011.
Chief Justice Ray Zondo continues to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and human rights through his leadership and judicial oversight in South Africa.
