Cape town: Parliament has expressed condolences to the family of retired Judge President Achmat Naeem Jappie who passed away at the age of 70. The retired Judge President had served for nearly two decades on the bench. According to South African Government News Agency, the passing of Judge President Jappie is considered a loss not only to the Judiciary and legal profession but also to South Africa's broader constitutional project. Parliament's Presiding Officers extended their heartfelt condolences to his wife, Judge Soraya Hassim, his children, family, colleagues, and all who were touched by his life and service. Judge President Jappie was appointed to the bench in 1998, just four years after South Africa's transition to a democratic dispensation. His leadership roles as Deputy Judge President and later Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court, along with his service as an Acting Justice of the Constitutional Court and at the Labour Appeal Court, underscored the high regard he comman ded. He was a principled advocate for the constitutional values that underpin South Africa's democracy, including integrity, fairness, accountability, and fidelity to the law. The contribution of Judge President Jappie to South Africa's evolving legal jurisprudence helped shape and affirm the principles of constitutional supremacy, legality, and accountability in the exercise of public power. This body of jurisprudence continues to guide all arms of state, ensuring that legislative processes, executive oversight, and institutional conduct remain grounded in the Constitution. After retiring in 2021, Judge President Jappie continued to serve as Chairperson of a Judicial Conduct Tribunal, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to institutional accountability and ethical governance. Earlier in the week, Constitutional Court Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, speaking on behalf of the South African Judiciary, expressed sadness at his passing.