Presidency shocked, saddened by Msimang's death

Friday, April 8, 2011

Pretoria - The Presidency has expressed shock and sadness at the death of KwaZulu-Natal Judge President Herbert Msimang, saying his passing will leave a huge vacuum in the country's judiciary.

Msimang passed away last night at a Pietermaritzburg hospital.

The Presidency said Msimang was one of the country's foremost legal eagles, noting that his supremacy of the law was well known.

"He was fiercely independent and had a strong sense of human rights and a passion for the promotion of access to justice to all. The nation will miss his commitment to the transformation of the judiciary and his sharp legal mind," it added.

Msimang's witty style, sense of humour and his impatience with shoddy work would also be missed, the Presidency said. 

"On behalf of President Jacob Zuma, the Presidency expresses most sincere condolences to the Msimang family as well as to Chief Justice Ngcobo and the entire judiciary. Our thoughts are with them during this time of loss," it added. - BuaNews