Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo Biography: Wife, House, Age, Children, Net Worth, Salary, Family, Cars

Biography

Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi “Ray” Zondo (born May 4, 1960) is a renowned South African judge. He holds the esteemed position of Chief Justice in South Africa, assuming the role in 2022. Appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zondo officially began his tenure on April 1, 2022.

Commencing his legal journey, Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo was admitted to the bar in 1984, initiating his career as an attorney in Durban. His judicial service includes roles as a judge in the High Court of South Africa from 1997 to 2009 and subsequently as a judge in the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa from 2009 to 2017. In 2017, President Jacob Zuma entrusted him with the significant responsibility of leading the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

Judge Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo is a distinguished jurist recognized for his unwavering independence and dedication to justice. His steadfast commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights is evident, coupled with a vocal stance against corruption and maladministration. The appointment of Zondo as Chief Justice is viewed as a positive stride for South Africa’s judiciary, with expectations that he will continue to champion the rule of law and ensure justice prevails throughout the nation.

Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi Zondo
Stage Name:	Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo
Born:	4 May 1960 (age 63 years old)
Place of Birth:	Ixopo, South Africa
Nationality:	Nigerian
Education:	University of Zululand, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of South Africa
Height:	1.7 m
Parents:	Mr. & Mrs. Zondo
Siblings:	Mxolisi Zondo
Spouse:	Sithembile Zondo
Girlfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	Khaya Zondo
Occupation:	Judge
Net Worth:	$1 million-$5 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo was born on May 4, 1960, in Johannesburg, South Africa, as the son of Mr. and Mrs. Zondo. He is third among nine siblings, and one of his brothers is recognized as advocate Mxolisi Zondo.

Zondo pursued his education at St. Mary’s Seminary in Ixopo, the University of Zululand, and the University of Natal, where he successfully earned his LLB degree. He served as a prosecutor for the Natal Provincial Division of the Supreme Court after law school.

Within his family, Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo shares ties with his brother, Mxolisi Zondo, known for his role in presenting evidence at the Commission’s McBride. His upbringing reflects a modest background, with a father employed as a laborer in Johannesburg and a mother who worked as a nurse’s aide, supplementing her income through knitting jerseys.

Growing up in a working-class family profoundly shaped Zondo‘s perspectives on justice, fueling his dedication to combatting corruption and addressing inequality. His formative years also instilled in him a robust work ethic and a profound empathy for individuals navigating systemic challenges. These foundational values have guided him to become one of South Africa’s most esteemed legal authorities.

Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo‘s educational journey, spanning institutions like St. Mary’s Seminary, the University of Zululand, and the University of Natal, shaped his professional path. After graduating from law school, he began a career as a prosecutor in the Natal Provincial Division of the Supreme Court.

Career

Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo assumed his role in the Labor Court in 1997 and was subsequently assigned to the Transvaal Provincial Division of the High Court two years later. By 2000, he had been appointed as the president of the Labour Court, holding this position for twelve years until his return to the Pretoria High Court in 2010. Between November 2011 and May 2012, Zondo served as an acting judge on the Constitutional Court.

His permanent appointment to the Constitutional Court came in September 2012, where he became a significant member of the court’s conservative wing alongside Chris Jafta. In June 2017, President Jacob Zuma promoted Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo to Deputy Chief Justice, succeeding Dikgang Moseneke, who retired in 2016. On March 10, 2022, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Zondo as the new Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, with his effective tenure starting on April 1.

Social Media

Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo has no official social media handles. He has stated that he does not believe that social media is a good way to communicate with the public and prefers to communicate through traditional media outlets such as newspapers and television.

• Telephone: 011 359 7400

Personal Life

Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo is happily married. Born in Ixopo, KwaZulu Natal, Justice Ray Zondo and his wife, Sithembile Zondo, have had four children. He has a son named Khaya Zondo, a South African cricketer.

Net Worth

Raymond ‘Ray’ Zondo is a successful businessman with an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million. Despite his wealth, he has remained humble and focused on his work as a judge. His financial success has not affected his dedication to justice and fairness; he remains respected in the legal community.