Mogoeng Mogoeng

Mogoeng Thomas Reetsang Mogoeng, born in 1961, is a South African jurist who served as the country 21st Chief Justice from 2011 to 2021, after sitting as a judge and then Judge President of the North West High Court from 1997 to 2009 and as a Justice of the Constitutional Court from 2009. His appointment as Chief Justice was controversial, drawing criticism over his judicial temperament and earlier rulings in cases involving sexual violence, but during his tenure he became known for defending judicial independence and the rule of law, including landmark judgments against the administration of President Jacob Zuma. As head of the Judicial Service Commission he played an active role in judicial appointments, and he also served as Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal from 2017 to 2021.