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The South African Judiciary said it was sadness that it acknowledges the passing of former Judge Willem Heath, who died at the age of 79.
Judge Heath passed away this week.
“Former Judge Heath’s contributions to the legal profession and his unwavering commitment to upholding justice leave a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.
“His career began in the public sector as a prosecutor, where he demonstrated an exceptional dedication to the rule of law,” said Judge President, Cagney Musi, in a statement on Friday.
He said Judge Heath served as a member of the then Attorney General’s staff in the Eastern Cape, before launching his own practice as an advocate where he was later conferred with a Senior Counsel status, a move that further cemented his position as a formidable legal mind.
“Judge Heath's ascended to the Bench in 1995, with his appointment as a Judge of the Eastern Cape High Court (Bisho).
“His reputation, however, extends beyond the courtroom, having chaired the pivotal Commission of Enquiry into corruption, fraud, and maladministration in the Eastern Cape between 1995 and 1997.”
Former Judge Heath also headed up the Special Investigating Unit between 1997 and 2001, leading the national effort to combat corruption and maladministration.
“His tenure at the SIU earned him international recognition for his leadership and expertise in rooting out corruption and advancing the cause of justice.
“The impact of his work, especially in the realm of clean governance and accountability, has been felt across the nation and continues to resonate in the fabric of our legal system today,” Musi said.
