President Zuma sends condolences to Chief Justice

Monday, August 31, 2009

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has sent sincere condolences to Chief Justice Pius Langa on the passing on of his beloved wife, Beauty Langa.

"May the family stay strong during this difficult time. We hold Justice Langa in a very high regard due to his service to this nation which has always been conducted with distinction and dedication over many decades.

"We should hold him and the whole family in our prayers," said President Zuma on Monday.

According to the Chief Justice's office, Ms Langa died on Sunday night in hospital after a long illness, just two days before her 65th birthday.

She is survived by her father, her husband, the couple's five children and their grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Johannesburg on Tuesday evening and the funeral will take place in Durban on Saturday.

Meanwhile, political parties such as the African National Congress sent their condolences to Chief Justice Langa and his family.

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille said she was sad to hear of Ms Langa's passing so close to Chief Justice Langa's retirement, when he would have been able to spend more time with his wife and family.