File picture of the Honourable Justice Arthur Chaskalson
Former Chief Justice Arthur Chaskalson died in Johannesburg on Saturday, President Jacb Zuma said.
"Former Chief Justice Chaskalson passed away earlier today," he said in a statement.
"We wish the Chaskalson family strength during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them."
He said Chaskalson's life embraced a "courageous" role in the fight against apartheid, and in transitioning and shaping constitutional democracy.
"As the first President of our Constitutional Court he leaves a special imprint on the building of a united, non-racial, non-sexist constitutional democracy," said Zuma.
"On behalf of all South Africans we reach out to his wife and family as we salute a life inseparable from South Africa's march to freedom. – Sapa.