In Memoriam of Judge Achmat Jappie

Judge Achmat Jappie’s passing on 22 April 2026 has brought profound sadness to his family, friends and the South African legal fraternity.

To his friends, he was “Aggie” and “Japs”, nicknames indicative of the affection he generated among his peers. To my family and me, he was simply “Achmat” or “Jappie”. He is survived by my daughter, his wife, Judge Soraya Hassim, whom he affectionately called “Hassim”, in keeping with the tradition of the advocates’ profession, and who, in turn, called him “Jappie” with equal affection, as well as by his family in Durban. Achmat is remembered in legal circles for the gentleman and the jurist that he was: brilliant, full of humility, fair and courteous to all, but strict in his application of the law. Born in Port Elizabeth, Achmat Jappie matriculated at Bechet High School in Durban. He rose swiftly through both the legal profession and the ranks of the judiciary. His legal career began at the Durban Bar, where he later took silk. Often appearing alongside distinguished South African jurists, including the late Chief Justice Pius Langa, he defended many anti-apartheid activists resisting an oppressive regime. At a time when many residents of apartheid imposed group areas moved to designated suburbs, Achmat remained steadfastly in Sydenham. In 1998, four years after the advent of democracy in South Africa, Achmat was appointed a Judge of the High Court of South Africa. He later served as Deputy Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division and, in 2015, became Judge President, leading the judiciary in that province. He also served on the Labour Appeal Court and, in the first quarter of 2015, as an Acting Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Achmat retired in 2022, beyond the official retirement age of 65. In addition to judicial service, he served on the Council of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Achmat’s judicial work is perhaps best reflected in
President Ramaphosa’s remark that “Judge Jappie ensured that the law protected the interests and dignity of those who deserved relief, and that those who breached the law felt the consequences of their actions or attitudes”. Achmat was fair and deeply committed to justice. In a media statement, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development observed that “Judge Jappie exemplified discipline, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice”. Judge President Poyo-Dlwati of the KwaZulu Natal Division of the High Court aptly captured Achmat’s character in the closing paragraph of a media statement: “When all is said and done, and when anyone asks, it will do well to say that he was a gentleman, a great mentor and an all-round decent human being”. I would only add that he was a brilliant one as well. Though sad and grieving, we take comfort in the thought that Achmat probably owed many of his personal attributes to his father, Mohamed Toyer Jappie, and his late mother, Zanoeasa Jappie, who ensured that Achmat and his sister Fazida Jappie Aysen received tertiary education, but more so in the fact that Mr Jappie, now aged 93, gave a large part of his time to “The Struggle” for democracy despite immense risk to his personal safety. Pretentiousness and falsehood were never part of their family, but humility was part of their ethos, emulating our beloved Rasool (SAW). This must therefore stand as a special tribute to Achmat’s parents for their commitment to justice and the higher education of their children, and to the late Judge Jappie himself, a devout Muslim, for emulating our beloved Rasool (SAW) in his total humility. Beyond his public life, Achmat found particular joy in reading a good old-fashioned newspaper. In Durban, the Daily and Sunday newspapers were set aside for his father. In Pretoria, there was a standing instruction to my daughter to set them aside for me whenever I visited during Achmat’s cherished stays here. Achmat strongly resisted electronic news publications; though he occasionally relented, the Sunday newspaper remained non-negotiable. It is no surprise that Achmat endeared himself to the many whose lives he touched—as an advocate, a judge, a schoolmate, a fellow student, a friend, or even someone through a brief encounter at a family gathering or in a coffee shop, despite his head buried in a newspaper. I personally know that his loss is deeply mourned, as one would expect in the case of such a great but humble human being. It is hoped that some solace is found in the Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Maya’s description of Achmat as “a distinguished jurist who served the people of South Africa with honour and dignity”. To my devastated and inconsolable daughter, his wife Judge Soraya Hassim, I further commend the Quranic injunction, “To the Almighty we belong and unto Him is our return.”; it is He who determines the moment of our departure from this earthly existence. May Allah subhana hu wa’ ta ala grant the ever-humble Achmat Jannatal Firdous. I wish to extend, on my own behalf and on behalf of my daughters Soraya, Shaahida, Ruveida and her children, our heartfelt gratitude to all who supported us during Achmat’s short but tragic illness in hospital and later in our bereavement, through personal visits, general assistance, special prayers, messages and the many telephonic condolences. To the many people in Pretoria and Durban, and to those who travelled from Pretoria to Durban to be with Soraya, with one noteworthy person being Advocate Lenette Pillay, who stayed with Soraya for many days at a hotel near the Netcare Hospital in Umhlanga despite her professional demands, and to, inter alia, Shabier Cassim and Attorney Hafsa Carrim and Nazim Carrim (Fogia), who attended the funeral in Durban, we say “thank you” and may the Almighty reward you all appropriately. -Submitted by E.C. Hassim (father-in-law)

More than ten years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Judge Jappie through his beautiful wife, Judge Hassim. I was in awe of this power couple and that admiration will remain. I saw intellectual equals with the greatest humility while also seeing a couple that deeply loved and cared for each other. In my interactions with Judge Jappie, I had to restrain myself from asking a multitude of questions all at the same time. My incorrigible nature wanted to know so much about being a Judge and one that acted at the Constitutional Court and he did indulge me. The thing that amazed me the most was the ordinary kept him curious, even with his vast experience he could have told fascinating stories, but he would listen more than he spoke. I found this impressive and intriguing.
I would always find Judge Jappie reading something, the newspaper or a book, surrounded always by this calm and peaceful energy. And when you least expected he would drop a witty comment that would make you chuckle. Loss is the most horrific thing we go through as humans. May his soul rest in peace while his legacy permeates the legal minds across South Africa. May his compassion continue to be the guiding light in our society. To his wife who did not just lose a husband, but her best friend, sounding board, her equal in so many respects: You were loved and you loved so deeply. As you navigate this massive loss, may you be guided by the angels. Know that your angel will watch over you now. – Kemantha Govender

A Thank You and Goodbye to a Constant… I have lost a major presence in my life. One who moved silently in my background without ever announcing his presence and deep impact. Today I say thank you and goodbye to Judge Achmat Jappie. Judge Jappie was an amazing, majestic man, easy going in nature and fair at heart. In the days he drew breath the descriptor “majestic” is one I ascribed to the pioneer and matriarch, Judge Jappie’s wife, Judge Soraya Hassim. Those who know her will understand why. And equally so, those who knew Judge Jappie will understand why it also captures him. I suppose they were two peas in a majestic pod. Judge Jappie was also fundamentally a man of peace and quiet. He did not like noise. He would not engage in it. He created his own sanctuary and opened the doors to those of us who shared his aversion to the negative, silently inviting us to share in his peace. Like any good lawyer though, he had an exception to his rule; when the noise was laughter, he pushed the sanctuary doors open and bellowed out orders to let the noisy laughter in. Not even a lawyer with striking disgruntled clients appearing before him in the Labour Appeal Court, could curb his humour. I shared a home with Judge Jappie and his wife in Pretoria, where Sunday mornings were a special time. The first sounds heard from the married pair was inevitably loud laughter coming from behind their bedroom door. When the bedroom door opened the laughter was often accompanied by background music, usually from the 60’s or 70’s. Breakfast would soon follow. Generally, coffee for Judge Jappie with croissants, scrambled eggs and baked beans; he made no secret of the fact that his wife made the best scrambled eggs in the world. I learnt quickly that breakfast with laughter was a norm. This couple seemed to be in a competition to increase the laughter they served every Sunday. I hope that with age my memory of two judges in endless smiles, joy and laughter at the breakfast table remain as clear as it is today. I am thankful for and will miss those Sundays with Judge Jappie. – Advocate Lenette Pillay

Tribute to a Friend…
If there was one thing, apart from his deep love for his wife, for which the late Judge Achmat Jappie will be fondly remembered, it was his enjoyment of a good meal. I had the privilege of sharing many such meals in the company of them both. Ours was a cheerful circle of two judges, an attorney and an advocate, brought together by friendship, laughter and good food. Meals prepared by his wife, Judge Hassim, were always a delight and something to which we looked forward. Then there were our outings, among them visits to Laudium, which became cherished occasions in themselves. It was never unusual for four grown lawyers to climb into a car with the excitement of children setting off to enjoy a Friday evening together. One of our destinations in Laudium, to which we would gladly drive simply for the pleasure of it all, was a car park. There we would order our meals and watch them being prepared before us on a braai stand, set against the everyday bustle of a taxi rank, a bakery and, somewhat improbably, a bottle store. While the famous Bilal and his family tended the braai, we would talk about everything, anything and nothing. The conversation might begin with sport, with rugby being a particular favourite of Judge Jappie, or with the wry observation by one in our cheerful circle that although none of the four of us drank, Titty’s Bottle Store had outlasted Charles Glass and endured long after featuring in reported litigation in the Pretoria High Court. From there, the discussion could move just as readily to a spirited and earnest debate on whether chicken ought to be placed at the sides of the braai stand to cook slowly, at the risk of drying out, or whether it should be the last item on the fire so that it might cook quickly and retain its moisture. On such occasions, considered and very serious views would be advanced by what might well have passed for a two-judge appeal court, joined by an attorney and an advocate. As the attorney and advocate, we often believed that we had carried the day; as for the judges, each was equally persuaded of the strength of his or her own position. In truth, the real winners were always the chicken, the steak, the lamb chops and, above all, the friendship we shared. In between the serious, and not so serious discussions, would be debates about why bananas ripen so quickly, or which fruit and vegetable shop sold the sweetest litchis. There might also be a light-hearted complaint that the bakery did not stay open later so that we could enjoy a snack while waiting; Judge Jappie had a particular fondness for koeksisters. Whether we remained at home over a home cooked meal or ventured out together, the late Judge Jappie unfailingly made me feel at ease through his company, his conversation and his laughter. He was a good man with a generous heart, a keen sense of humour and an infectious laugh. He is, and will be, deeply missed. He will not be there the next time we gather, and our world is poorer for his absence. Yet the memories he leaves behind will continue to bring comfort and joy, and will remain with us for years to come. My thoughts remain with his wife, whom he loved so dearly, and who was always so gracious in bringing together our cheerful company of four. – Mncedi Vakalisa

Some Words for Publication
Judge President Jappie’s love for Judge Soraya Hassim was never something that needed grand proclamation, it lived quietly. In a life devoted to justice, leadership, and service, she remained his sanctuary, his confidante, his companion, and his greatest source of strength. Their partnership reflected not only deep affection, but profound admiration. He cherished her intellect, her dignity, and her unwavering commitment to the law, and he stood proudly beside her achievements as she stood beside his. Those who knew them witnessed a rare and beautiful bond: one built on mutual respect, loyalty, laughter, and enduring devotion. Even amidst the immense responsibilities of judicial office, his love for Judge Soraya Hassim remained evident in the smallest gestures, in his attentiveness, his warmth, and the unmistakable pride with which he spoke of her. His legacy will live on not only through the
judgments he penned and the lives he influenced, but also through the love story he shared with Judge Soraya Hassim, a testament to partnership, grace, and steadfast love. May Judge Soraya Hassim find comfort in the extraordinary memories they built together, and may she always know how deeply and completely she was loved.– Marcia Davids – Advocate – Pretoria

I first met Judge Jappie about sixteen years ago when I joined him and Soraya Hassim for supper at the Spur in Rosebank. From that very first meeting, I found Judge Jappie to be an intelligent, caring, and calm individual. He had a deep love for reading, and for the law and whenever we met, he would share what he was currently reading. I remember that he was particularly fond of Malcolm Gladwell, and our conversations often revolved around the ideas and insights he had taken from those books. Over the years, I have heard many of his entertaining and often humorous stories about his experiences. He had a wonderfully wicked sense of humour and it was always interesting to talk to someone who could effortlessly draw you into conversation. Above all, what stood out most about Judge Jappie was his deep and abiding love for his wife. He was always loving, considerate, and accommodating. His warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. – Munira Balim

Judge Achmat Naaim Jappie, affectionately known to us as Uncle Achmat, was a humble, gentle and deeply respected member of our family. Despite his remarkable achievements and stature, he remained down to earth and approachable, treating each of us not only as family, but as friends. He possessed a profound love for history and an extraordinary depth of knowledge, especially when sharing Islamic history. We were always captivated by the way he brought historical events into perspective with such clarity and wisdom. His remarkable memory for dates and events never ceased to amaze us, and listening to him was both enlightening and inspiring. Uncle Achmat also had a deep love for reading and owned a wide and varied collection of books. If ever asked for a recommendation, he would thoughtfully suggest a book to read, and he never disappointed — the books he recommended were always insightful and worthwhile. Reading was one of his greatest joys, and Sunday mornings were especially reserved for quietly reading the newspaper. He was never keen to go out during that cherished time. He carried himself with quiet dignity and grace. He never complained and his calm and gentle presence brought comfort to those around him. He was never judgemental; instead, he encouraged, uplifted and guided with kindness and sincerity. Beyond his wisdom and humility, he had a wonderful sense of humour that brought warmth and laughter into every gathering. His ability to make others feel valued and at ease was one of his greatest gifts. The passing of Uncle Achmat has left an irreplaceable void in our family. He will be remembered for his wisdom, humility, compassion, humour and the love he shared so freely with all of us. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those privileged enough to have known and loved him. We are forever grateful to Soraya Hassim (sister, sister-in-law and aunt) for bringing such a great man and remarkable figure into our lives. Through her, we were blessed to know and love Uncle Achmat and for that we will always remain thankful.
May the Almightty grant him the highest stages in Jannah. Aameen – Mohseen, Ruveida, Saadiya & Ismail Daya