21 Surprising Facts About Former Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga
Mbuyiseli Madlanga is widely respected for his time on the Constitutional Court bench. But beyond the robes and landmark judgments lies an extraordinary story of resilience, brilliance, and service. Here are 21 surprising facts about the retired Constitutional Court Justice.
1. He Comes from a Small Rural Village
Madlanga was born on 27 March 1962 in Njijini, a rural village near Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape.
2. He Was Raised During Apartheid
Growing up under apartheid shaped his deep commitment to justice and constitutional democracy.
3. He Was the Best Law Student in 1981
While studying at the University of Transkei (Unitra), he won the prestigious Juta Prize for being the top law student.
4. He Became a Tutor Before Graduating
In his final year at Rhodes University, he tutored first-year law students — an early sign of leadership and excellence.
5. He Studied in the United States
He completed an LLM in Human Rights and Constitutional Law cum laude at the University of Notre Dame.
6. He Interned at Amnesty International
While in Washington DC, he worked at Amnesty International, gaining international human rights experience.
7. He Became South Africa’s Youngest Judge at 34
At just 34 years old, he was appointed as a judge in Mthatha — the youngest in the country at the time.
8. He Rose Rapidly Through the Courts
Within three years, he was appointed Acting Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal.
9. He Once Resigned from the Judiciary
Personal circumstances forced him to step down — but he later returned stronger than ever.
10. His Legal Practice Took Off Immediately
After returning to the Bar as senior counsel, he appeared in almost every High Court in South Africa.
11. He Represented South Africa at The Hague
He represented the country at the International Court of Justice in a major international case.
12. He Led the Exchange Control Amnesty Unit
Appointed by former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, he chaired a unit that disclosed R68.6 billion in offshore assets.
13. The Amnesty Process Raised Billions
The initiative raised R2.9 billion in levies and significantly expanded South Africa’s tax base.
14. He Was Chief Evidence Leader at Marikana
He led the evidence team at the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, one of the most significant investigations in post-apartheid history.
15. He Joined the Constitutional Court in 2013
He was appointed to South Africa’s highest court on 1 August 2013.
16. He Served for Over a Decade
Madlanga served on the Constitutional Court until his retirement in 2025.
17. He Acted as Deputy Chief Justice
Before retiring, he served as Acting Deputy Chief Justice following the appointment of Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice.
18. He Now Chairs the Madlanga Commission
Since leaving the bench, he has chaired the Madlanga Commission, continuing his role in public accountability.
19. He Held a Prestigious Academic Chair
At Notre Dame Law School, he held the Clynes Chair as a visiting professor — a position previously held by distinguished international scholars.
20. He Received an Honorary Doctorate
Walter Sisulu University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) in recognition of his contribution to justice.
21. He Serves Beyond the Courtroom
For eight years, he served on the Arbitration Panel of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, reflecting his commitment to faith and community leadership.
Final Thoughts
From a rural village in the Eastern Cape to the highest court in the land, Mbuyiseli Madlanga’s journey is one of discipline, intellect, and integrity. His career spans academia, international law, public service, and constitutional justice.
His legacy is not only written in law reports — it is embedded in South Africa’s democratic evolution.
