Ephraim Makgoba

Ephraim Mampuru Makgoba (born 1 January 1953) is a South African retired judge of the High Court of South Africa. He was the inaugural Judge President of the Limpopo Division from 2015 to 2022, though he joined the bench in 2008 as a puisne judge of the Gauteng Division. Before he joined the bench, he was an attorney in Nelspruit and Polokwane.

Early life and education Makgoba was born on 1 January 1953 at Ga-Mathabatha village, southeast of Polokwane in the former Northern Transvaal. He was one of eight siblings. completing a BProc in 1977. He joined the bench on 28 January 2008, alongside Piet Meyer and two other new appointees. He was interviewed in Cape Town the following month alongside six other candidates, and the Mail & Guardian said that he "sailed through" the interview. The Judicial Service Commission recommended him for appointment, and President Jacob Zuma confirmed his appointment in June.

His appointment took effect on 1 August 2015, though it was not until January 2016 that the Limpopo Division was formally launched, with a seat at Polokwane. During his tenure in the judge presidency, he was the subject of several minor scandals, including multiple complaints against him at the Judicial Service Commission.

He retired in late 2022, with a farewell function in December attended by Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha.

Personal Makgoba is married to Dorah Ramadimetja, with whom he has three children. He is Christian.