By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Judge Willem Heath has died in Cape Town at the age of 79 on Wednesday afternoon, his family confirmed.
In a brief statement, “The family has asked for privacy and will release a statement on Thursday.
Heath, was born in Boksburg, East of Johannesburg in 1945.
Heath studied at the University of Pretoria where he acquired two degrees. One was a BA in Law which he got in 1966 and the other one was the LLB degree in 1968.
His career began as a prosecutor before starting his own private practice in Pretoria as an advocate.
In 1995, former president Nelson Mandela appointed him to head the Heath Commission of Inquiry into maladministration and corruption in the Eastern Cape which he chaired until 1997.
After the commission, Heath headed the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) until 2001.
Following his departure at the SIU, he set up Heath Executive Consultants, a firm offering legal advice and forensic investigation.
Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Advocate Andy Mothibi, “As the SIU, we will carry forward Judge Heath’s legacy and values and pledge to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability that the late judge championed throughout his career. His wisdom, fairness, and steadfast commitment to justice will be deeply missed by the members of the SIU, the legal fraternity, and the entire country.”
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development hailed Heath’s contribution to the South African law fraternity.
“The Ministry…expresses profound sorrow at the passing of Judge Willem Hendrik Heath, a distinguished legal figure whose unwavering commitment to combating corruption and maladministration will resonate throughout South Africa’s history.
“Judge Heath began his career as a prosecutor before establishing a successful private practice, where he made significant contributions to the legal field. Appointed by former President Nelson Mandela in 1995, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), one of the country’s foremost corruption-fighting agencies. Under his stewardship, the SIU undertook critical investigations that set new benchmarks for public sector accountability, ensuring that justice and integrity prevailed.
“Judge Heath’s dedication to the rule of law was evident throughout his illustrious career. His legacy continues to inspire legal professionals committed to justice. His courage and integrity in the face of adversity, along with his significant contributions to legal reform and public sector accountability, are widely recognised, “the Ministry said.