Sandile Ngcobo: A Short Study in Judicial Leadership

Abstract

This is a personal tribute to the retired Chief Justice discussing his judicial leadership as he held the position of Chief Justice. It seeks to fill a gap and to ensure that this aspect of Justice Ngcobo’s professional record is not overlooked. This tribute does not attempt to delve into the academic literature related to judicial governance and leadership other than in passing, and nor does it draw on the even bigger scholarly pool on leadership in general. Instead, it offers a discursive, somewhat personal account of my perception of the leadership role that Ngcobo played, especially during his brief, but to my mind, seminal period as Chief Justice between 2009-2011.