President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed senior counsel Tembeka Ngcukaitobi as an Acting Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
Ngcukaitobi will serve in the role from 1 June to 30 November 2026, strengthening the bench of the country’s highest court.
Who is Tembeka Ngcukaitobi?
Ngcukaitobi is widely regarded as a top constitutional and public law advocate, with a reputation built on high-profile and complex cases. He has been a member of the Johannesburg Bar since 2010 and obtained senior counsel (SC) status in 2020, a recognition reserved for leading advocates.
Born in Cala in the former Transkei, he holds advanced law degrees from institutions including the London School of Economics, and has built a career spanning constitutional litigation, land reform, labour law, and competition law.
He previously clerked for former Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson, an experience that helped shape his trajectory in constitutional law.
Track record in major cases
Ngcukaitobi has appeared in some of the country’s most significant legal matters, including representing:
- The Zondo Commission during state capture proceedings
- Political parties such as the EFF
- President Ramaphosa in key constitutional litigation
He has also been part of South Africa’s legal team at the International Court of Justice, further cementing his international profile.
In addition, he has served as an acting judge in multiple courts, including the High Court, Labour Court, and Land Claims Court.
A significant appointment
Recent reports suggest that Ngcukaitobi’s appointment is particularly notable, with indications that he may be among the first Black advocates appointed directly from the Bar to act at the Constitutional Court.
His selection reflects both his legal expertise and growing influence within South Africa’s legal and constitutional landscape.
