Biography
Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi “Ray” Zondo (born 4 May 1960) is a prominent South African judge. He serves as the Honourable Chief Justice of South Africa, assuming the role in 2022. Appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zondo officially began his term on 1 April 2022.
Starting his legal journey, Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo was admitted to the Bar in 1984, starting his career as a solicitor in Durban. His judicial service included serving as a judge in the South African Supreme Court from 1997 to 2009 and then as a judge in the South African Supreme Court of Appeal from 2009 to 2017. In 2017, President Jacob Zuma entrusted him with the important responsibility of leading the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.
Justice Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo is a distinguished jurist who is recognised for his unwavering independence and dedication to justice. His unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights is evident, along with his opposition to corruption and mismanagement. Zondo’s appointment as Chief Justice is seen as a positive step forward for the South African judiciary, with the expectation that he will continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is delivered across the country.
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of South Africa
Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo |
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 Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Full name: | Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi Zondo |
| Stage name: | Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo |
| Born: | May 4, 1960 (age 64) |
| Place of birth: | Ixopo, South Africa |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | University of Zululand, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of South Africa |
| Height: | 1.7 minutes |
| Parents: | Mr and Mrs Zondo |
| Siblings: | Mxolisi Zondo |
| Couple: | Sithembile Zondo |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Khaya Zondo |
| Job: | Judgment |
| Net worth: | $1 million – $5 million (USD) |
Early life and education
Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo was born on 4 May 1960 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Zondo. He is the third of nine siblings, and one of his brothers is the recognized lawyer Mxolisi Zondo.
Zondo pursued his studies at St. Mary’s Seminary in Ixopo, University of Zululandand University of Natalwhere he successfully obtained his LLB degree. He worked as a prosecutor for the Natal Provincial Division of the Supreme Court after completing his law studies.
Within his family, Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo shares a relationship with his brother, Mxolisi Zondo, known for his role in presenting evidence at the McBride Commission.
Growing up in a working-class family deeply shaped Zondo’s views on justice, fueling his dedication to fighting corruption and addressing inequality. His formative years also instilled in him a strong work ethic and deep empathy for individuals facing systemic challenges. These foundational values have made him one of South Africa’s most respected legal professionals.
Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo’s educational journey, spanning institutions such as St. Mary’s Seminarythe University of Zululandand University of Natalshaped his career path. After graduating from law school, he began his career as a prosecutor at the Supreme Court, Natal Provincial Division.
Career
Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo assumed his role at the Labour Court in 1997 and was then assigned to the Transvaal Provincial Division of the High Court two years later. In 2000, he was appointed president of the Labour Court, a position he held for twelve years until he returned to the Pretoria High Court in 2010. From November 2011 to May 2012, Zondo served as an acting judge at the Constitutional Court.
He was appointed President of the Constitutional Court in September 2012, when he became a prominent member of the court’s conservative wing alongside Chris Jafta. In June 2017, President Jacob Zuma promoted Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo to Deputy President, succeeding Dikgang Moseneke, who retired in 2016. On 10 March 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Zondo as the new President of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, with his effective term commencing on 1 April.
Social media
Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo does not have an official social media account. He has stated that he does not believe social media is a good way to communicate with the public and prefers to communicate through traditional media such as newspapers and television.
Personal life
Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo is happily married. Born in Ixopo, KwaZulu Natal, Judge Ray Zondo and his wife, Sithembile Zondo, have four children. He has a son named Khaya Zondo, a South African cricketer.
Net worth
Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo is a successful businessman with an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. Despite his wealth, he remains humble and focused on his work as a judge. His financial success does not affect his dedication to justice and fairness; he remains highly respected in the legal community.
