Legal fraternity mourns the loss of top advocate
Family and colleagues of respected city advocate and humanitarian Vershen Moodley SC are mourning his death after the 42-year-old died midair while travelling to attend an international legal conference in Hong Kong.
Fifteen minutes into the flight from Johannesburg, Moodley became critically ill. The flight was returned to OR Tambo International Airport as cabin crew tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate him.
Moodley was travelling to Hong Kong to attend the fourth International Advocacy Training Council (IATC) conference. The conference is set to take place on April 8 and 9.
Also attending the prestigious conference is justice David Unterhalter, judge of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa, Jennifer Cane SC and one of the most well-rounded former judges at the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), justice Malcolm Wallis.
Moodley, was also accompanied by his family as he had decided to combine attending the conference with a family holiday.
According to family representative advocate Mergen Chetty, Moodley was a prominent, well-respected lawyer who was recently awarded silk. He hailed from a family of lawyers.
Silk is a term used in reference to an advocate of proven experience and skill. They are awarded after at least ten years of service of practice and are awarded by the president of South Africa as senior consultus.
“Vershen was the eldest son of Yoga Moodley SC and Yanum Moodley, a brother to advocate Deshaine Moodley. He was married to Edesha Moodley and loving doting father to Leyah Sen and the late Shiaan.
“He followed in his father’s footsteps and was conferred with the senior counsel status earlier this year.
“He was an experienced and accomplished legal practitioner of the highest calibre who was called to act as a judge of the KwaZulu-Natal High
Court bench on several occasions,” said Chetty.
The family said his contribution to the legal profession is immeasurable and he served on several structures, committees, and organisations that govern the legal profession.
“He served at the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (Nadel), where he previously occupied the position of deputy chair and chairperson of the Pietermaritzburg branch. He was a member of the national executive committee of Nadel. He was also a member of the executive committee of Advocates for Transformation and a member of the General Council of the Bar of South Africa,” said Chetty.
The family described Vershen as a popular, well-liked and well-respected by the members of the bar and members of the attorneys’ profession.
“He was involved in further education and training of aspirant advocates. Not only did he lecture pupil advocates but he was also a mentor to several pupil advocates over the years.
“Cumulatively, his contribution to the legal profession cannot be over-emphasised and his passing has left a huge void in the profession. He was also a humanitarian who contributed towards the greater good of society by arranging feeding schemes for those in need.
“He was an enigmatic person who will be greatly missed by his wife, daughter, his greater family, his friends, and colleagues. May his dearly departed soul rest in eternal peace,” said Chetty on behalf of the Moodley family.
Chairperson of the KZN Legal Practice Council, Asif Essa said Moodley’s death is a significant loss to the profession. He described Moodley as an absolute gentleman in the profession.
“It is with profound sadness that we have learnt of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, advocate Vershen Moodley SC of the Pietermaritzburg bar.
“He served the profession in different capacities in the regulation of the profession and was also a dedicated member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers. Notwithstanding the conferral of senior counsel status and his stints as an acting judge of the high court, he was humility personified. He acquitted himself with absolute distinction in his professional and personal life with the immense positive attributes in his work ethic and his service to humanity. His passing is a significant loss to the profession,” said Essa.
Moodley was also described as a mentor, guide and friend to many.
Ugeshnee Naicker, a member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (Port Shepstone branch) said Moodley’s accomplishments and accolades were numerous, as a testament to his mastery of the legal craft.
“His tenure as the chairperson of the Pietermaritzburg branch of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers was marked by his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
He was a genuine human being, a person of great courage and fortitude especially in times of adversity. Yet, his true greatness lay not just in his professional achievements, but in his character.
His authenticity was his hallmark. He treated everyone with kindness and respect regardless of their status or position. His humility despite his many accomplishments, was a lesson in itself. He taught us that taught us that it is not just our professional achievements, but our human qualities that truly define us,” said Naicker.
Naicker added that Moodley lived a life of purpose, integrity and an unwavering commitment to justice. As we pay tribute to him, may we remember all that he stood for.
“Moodley’s passing will leave a deep void. His absence, felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Yet, his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the many hearts he inspired. It is often said that there is no grave that can bury a great man, and so Moodley’s legacy will continue to inspire us as members of the legal profession and the many generations of legal practitioners to follow,” said Naicker.
Sivana Shah Rabikissoon an attorney at Siva Chetty and Company had worked with Moodley, his father Yoga and brother, advocate Deshaine Moodley.
Rabikissoon said Moodley was a humble, patient, brilliant and encouraging teacher to his juniors.
“Along with being kind and charismatic, he was passionate and fierce about his work. Following in his father’s legacy, Vershen created his own legacy in the legal fraternity.
“Vershen’s demise is not only devastating but also a great loss to the legal fraternity. The great work, memories, and teachings from him will be cherished. May his soul attain moksha. We pray that God bless his parents, wife, daughter, brother, and family with strength and courage to bear the great loss of Vershen,” said Rabikissoon.
Bhavna Jawarhlall, of the Advocates’ Chambers in Pietermaritzburg said Moodley was a man of great stature. She described him as not only a remarkable advocate and mentor but an extraordinary boss and friend.
“He had an impeccable, caring and a generous nature, often sharing his legal insight, laughs and extraordinary lunches with others. He was always so high spirited and remained inspiring and encouraging to those around him. His presence could make anyone smile. It was an utmost pleasure, and I consider myself lucky for having known this wonderful and eminent human being.
“His legacy of kindness and mentorship will live on forever and he will always be remembered for his passionate dedication to the law and humanity. It is indeed a huge and saddened loss to those that knew him as well as the legal fraternity,” said Jawarhlall.