Presidency sends a message of condolence to the Msimang family

The Presidency learnt with shock of the sad passing of KwaZulu-Natal Judge President, Justice Herbert Qedusizi Msimang, who passed away last night at a Pietermaritzburg hospital.

Judge Msimang leaves a huge vacuum in the country's judiciary as one of South Africa's foremost legal eagles whose respect for the 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. We will miss his witty style, his sense of humour and his legendary impatience for shoddy work.

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.

Statement issued by Dr Cassius Lubisi, Director-General in the Presidency, April 8 2011

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