Champion of rights for the oppressed
Eulogy by President Jacob Zuma, at the funeral service of advocate Mvuseni Edward Ngubane, at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre
GREETINGS on this sad occasion of paying tribute and bidding farewell to one of the finest legal brains in the country, advocate Mvuseni Edward Ngubane.
We learned with great sadness of the tragic demise of this beloved advocate, who was highly respected in the legal profession and in society at large.
He still had many years ahead of him in his family and professional life. His untimely demise was certainly a great tragedy.
The loss is suffered not only by his family, but by the entire legal profession, the country and our broader national transformation agenda.
We recall many key milestones in the legal career of this activist human rights lawyer.
As we adopted the interim and ultimately our current democratic constitution in 1996, we had to embark on a tricky, painful but necessary journey of truth and reconciliation.
Advocate Ngubane availed his valued services to about 150 families during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings.
He will also be remembered as a mediator par excellence, who had insight into conflict resolution. We recall that he played a key role in the resolution of conflicts in the taxi industry which had led to the death of many people.
This was after he was appointed by the MEC for transport in Kwazulu-natal to deal with the challenges of taxi violence.
He was therefore contributing in many ways to peace, democracy and the rule of law in this country.
When there was a challenge in the sphere of local government at the Abaqulusi Local Council, the investigation report that he had coauthored as co-chairperson of the team investigating the municipality led to the dissolution of the council.
Subsequent to the dissolution, an administrator was appointed to run the municipality – which was an unprecedented act in the history of our local government.
As part of his insight into political and labour activism, he convened and chaired the special tribunal set up by the MEC of health in Kwazulu-natal, which speedily resolved the dispute of 1 000 nurses who were on strike.
Ngubane also had outstanding leadership skills at an organisational level. This was demonstrated in his tenure chairing the Black Lawyers’ Association in Durban for two consecutive terms, and later its president for two consecutive terms from 2001 to 2005.
He also served two terms co-chairing the Law Society of SA.
His life was intertwined with the transformation of our legal system and the transition from apartheid to the new dispensation.
It is therefore not surprising that he was earmarked as secretary of the Commission on the Strategic Arms Procurement process, known as the Arms Deal Commission.
He would have handled this assignment as diligently as all the other assignments he was given.
Ngubane was a gentleman and a true patriot, a dedicated legal practitioner who used his expertise to make a difference in the lives of many, and to take forward the transformation of our country.
Therefore, as we endeavour to build a new society premised on the values of unity, non-racism, nonsexism, democracy and prosperity for all, his activist legacy shall remain a guiding light on our responsibilities as individuals.
His determination to extend justice to all fits well with our determination to expand access to justice to all in our country, including the poor and marginalised.
In his memory, as the government we affirm our commitment to advance the ideals of our country’s constitution at all times.
The constitution is South Africa's fundamental vision statement, which guides our policies and actions.
Also important is the expansion of access to justice, something in which Ngubane believed strongly.
Over the next three years, the government, through the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, will spend R2.5 billion on the construction of courts and other infrastructure projects.
A further R87 million will be spent on day-to-day maintenance and R265m on the rehabilitation of court facilities.
And there are nine ongoing projects involving the construction of new courts and office accommodation that will improve South Africans’ access to justice.
These are some of the measures that progressive lawyers such as advocate Ngubane pushed for, as they wanted to see improved efficiency in the courts, and expanded access to justice for the poor.
The life of this friend, compatriot and comrade that we lay to rest, who was occupied not only with fulfilling personal interests, but in advancing the aspirations of the entire society, typified a South African we must all aspire to.
While we all feel the pain and shock of his untimely and tragic demise, his immediate family, including his wife and dear children, feel the pain even more.
To the family, sithi akwehlanga lungehli!
On behalf of our government and the people of South Africa, we convey our deepest condolences to you all.
May his soul rest in peace! Hamba kahle Mbomvu!