South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted the late Justice Fikile Eunice Mokgohloa a Special Official Funeral Category 2 as the country prepares to bid farewell to the prominent jurist.
Mokgohloa died on Thursday, August 20, at the age of 65, after spending more than two decades serving in South Africa’s judiciary.
Her funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, in Pretoria. The service will begin at 7:30am at Hillsong Church in Wonderboom.
According to the Presidency, the funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service.
Ramaphosa also ordered that the South African national flag be flown at half-mast at all official flag stations until Saturday evening as a mark of respect for the deceased judge.
Mokgohloa had a distinguished career in the judiciary and rose through several important positions before joining the Supreme Court of Appeal.
She was appointed a judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal in June 2019. Before that, she served as Deputy Judge President of the Limpopo Division of the High Court.
She also served in an acting capacity as Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Her contribution to the country’s justice system earned recognition from the president, who described her as a dedicated public servant who upheld the rule of law.
Ramaphosa said Mokgohloa served South Africa with distinction, integrity and commitment throughout her judicial career.
He noted that her influence extended beyond individual cases, highlighting her contribution to judicial leadership and the development of South African jurisprudence.
The president further said her legacy would live on through the landmark judgments she delivered during her years on the bench.
Mokgohloa’s death has therefore marked the loss of an experienced judicial figure who played a significant role in South Africa’s legal system.
Ramaphosa extended his condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and members of the judiciary.
The special funeral arrangements are expected to provide an opportunity for the country to honour her public service and remember her contribution to the administration of justice.
She will be laid to rest in Pretoria following the funeral service on Saturday.