Gauteng Black Lawyers Association Pays Tribute to Justice Zukisa L.L. Tshiqi
Her contribution to the development and advancement of the Legal Practice Act remains one of the enduring pillars of her legacy.
On behalf of the Gauteng Province of the Black Lawyers Association (BLA), we are deeply honoured to pen this tribute in marking the retirement of Justice Zukisa L.L. Tshiqi, a jurist of exceptional distinction, unwavering integrity, and profound constitutional commitment.
Today, we join the judiciary, the legal profession, and the people of South Africa in paying tribute to a remarkable legal practitioner, a respected judge, and a lifelong servant of justice whose contribution to South African jurisprudence and the transformation of the legal profession will endure for generations.
Justice Tshiqi’s retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished judicial career characterised by an unwavering commitment to constitutionalism, the rule of law, equality, dignity, and meaningful access to justice.
Before her elevation to the Bench in 2005, Justice Tshiqi dedicated her professional life to the advancement of labour rights, social justice, and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised communities.
Her work as a legal practitioner, mediator, arbitrator, lecturer, and litigation officer within the Black Lawyers Association reflected her lifelong commitment to empowering black legal practitioners, particularly women within the profession.
Justice Tshiqi belongs to a pioneering generation of black female legal practitioners who broke barriers during a period when the legal profession remained deeply exclusionary.
She co-founded and led successful legal practices, including Matolo-Dlepu Tshiqi Attorneys and Tshiqi-Zebediela Incorporated, demonstrating excellence in legal practice and leadership at a time when opportunities for black women attorneys were severely limited.
Her contribution to the development and advancement of the Legal Practice Act remains one of the enduring pillars of her legacy. Through her participation in legal reform initiatives and professional structures, she contributed meaningfully toward the transformation of the legal profession and the creation of a more inclusive regulatory framework for legal practitioners in South Africa.
Throughout her tenure in the High Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Constitutional Court, Justice Tshiqi delivered jurisprudence that significantly contributed to the development of South African constitutional democracy. Her judgments consistently reflected a deep appreciation for constitutional values and the lived realities of ordinary South Africans.
Among the many important judgments associated with her judicial career are matters concerning municipal governance, prescription of rights, immigration law, equality jurisprudence, parental rights, and workplace equality.
In eThekwini Municipality v Mounthaven (Pty) Ltd 2018 (1) SA 384 (SCA), Justice Tshiqi delivered an important judgment clarifying the legal distinction between real rights and personal rights in relation to reversionary clauses and prescription.
The judgment affirmed the principle that certain rights to reclaim property constitute personal rights subject to prescription under the Prescription Act. This decision had significant implications for municipal governance and property law across South Africa.
Similarly, in Rafoneke v Minister of Justice and Correctional Services and Others, the Constitutional Court was called upon to consider the constitutionality of provisions of the Legal Practice Act relating to the admission and enrolment of foreign nationals as legal practitioners.
The matter engaged complex constitutional questions concerning equality, citizenship, and access to the legal profession. Justice Tshiqi’s contribution to the Court’s jurisprudence in this regard reflects her enduring commitment to constitutional interpretation and judicial rigor.
In Van Wyk and Others v Minister of Employment and Labour and Others 2025 ZACC 20, the Constitutional Court advanced equality and dignity within the workplace through the recognition and expansion of parental rights.
The judgment reaffirmed the constitutional imperative of substantive equality and represented an important development in family and labour law jurisprudence.
These judgments, among many others, continue to shape South African law and strengthen constitutional protections for ordinary citizens.
The Gauteng BLA further recognises Justice Tshiqi’s steadfast advocacy for women within the legal profession and her dedication to mentoring younger practitioners. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to ethical jurisprudence have inspired generations of black lawyers, particularly young women who continue to look to her as a symbol of excellence, courage, and perseverance within the profession.
Justice Tshiqi consistently used her platform to advocate for transformation within the legal profession, meaningful access to justice, and the preservation of judicial independence. She remained committed to ensuring that the legal profession reflects the constitutional values of equality, dignity, and inclusivity.
One of the qualities most admired about Justice Tshiqi is her humanity. Despite the many challenges faced by black women within the legal profession, she remained steadfast, principled, and compassionate. She carried herself with dignity, humility, and grace, while never compromising on the values of justice and the rule of law.
The Black Lawyers Association remains profoundly grateful for her continued support and guidance to younger practitioners. Her contributions to the Godfrey Pitje Memorial Lecture and other professional development initiatives have inspired many young lawyers to pursue excellence and remain committed to the transformation agenda envisioned by the founders of the BLA.
As Justice Tshiqi enters the next chapter of her life, we express our sincere hope that her retirement from active judicial service will not mark the end of her contribution to the legal profession.
South Africa continues to require principled voices, constitutional guardians, and mentors who can guide future generations in protecting the rule of law and strengthening our democracy.
At a time when constitutional democracies around the world continue to face unprecedented challenges, the legacy of principled jurists such as Justice Tshiqi becomes even more important. Her career serves as a reminder that the judiciary must remain independent, courageous, and committed to justice without fear or favour.
On behalf of the Gauteng Black Lawyers Association and the broader legal fraternity, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Justice Zukisa L.L. Tshiqi for her immense contribution to the judiciary, the legal profession, and the people of South Africa.
We wish her good health, fulfilment and continued success in the next chapter of her journey.
We salute you, Justice Tshiqi.
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