The funeral of former KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Achmat Naeem Jappie was held today in Sherwood.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Achmat Naeem Jappie, a respected figure in South African law and former Judge President of KwaZulu-Natal, has passed away on Wednesday at the age of 70 after a short illness.
His funeral took place today at the 45th Cutting Soofie Bhaijaan Hall in Sherwood.
A respected jurist, Jappie was appointed to the bench in 1998, later serving as Deputy Judge President before his appointment as the Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court in June 2015.
He served as an acting judge of the Constitutional Court from February to March 2015.
During his career he presided over notable cases in the High Court and Labour Appeal Court. He also chaired the Judicial Conduct Tribunal looking into allegations of misconduct against other judges.
He retired about four years ago.
Jappie's longtime friend and colleague, Rajesh Choudree (senior counsel), said Jappie's passing was a terrible loss.
"I knew him from when he was a student and then joined the bar. He later worked in the same group of advocates, Advocates Group 7, which was made up of a number of well-known advocates. It was a vibrant group and he was a key member.
"He was mild-mannered, unobtrusive and not someone who would show off. He had a great sense of humour and was widely knowledgeable. He had an extensive library. He was a great traveller and wherever he went he collected books to enhance his library," said Choudree.
He said Jappie was highly regarded in the profession.
"People respected him. He was a good lawyer and a good judge. He made the court work in harmony," said Choudree.
Fellow friend, Logie Naidoo, said: "Judge Achmat Jappie was a well respected jurisdiction in our country. As an advocate he championed the human rights cause and was always on the side of the poor, venerable and marginalised sectors of our society. He distinguished himself as an advocate, judge of the high court and acting judge of our apex court, the constitutional court.
"He served as deputy judge president and judge president of the KZN region. He acquited himself with distinction and delivered some groundbreaking judgments. South Africa has lost another leading light in the legal sphere. Condolences to his wife Judge Soraya Hassim and the entire family."
Jappie is survived by his father, wife and three children.