GOVERNMENT has committed E500 000 towards the State funeral of the late Chief Justice (CJ) Bheki Maphalala.
The amount comprises E100 000 in cash, which was handed over to the bereaved family yesterday, and a further E400 000 to assist with funeral arrangements.
Acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini disclosed the State’s commitment when he conveyed government’s condolences to the Maphalala family at Lawuba under Kumethula Inkhundla yesterday.
Dlamini was accompanied by Cabinet ministers and members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Representatives from the attorney general’s office and Human Rights Commission, Eswatini National Courts, Law Society of Eswatini, magistrates and senior government officials also visited the family.
The officials joined the family in mourning and paying their respects following the passing of the CJ in South Africa last Thursday.
Dlamini said Maphalala played a noticeable role in the country, including within traditional structures, where he paid allegiance to Their Majesties.
He clarified that the E400 000 would be used to assist with the costs of preparing for the funeral.
“This should be said in the open so that when we work we know the total allocated money, and everything is done within that amount. We will be with you every step of the way,” Dlamini said.
Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala also conveyed condolences to the family and shared the Word of God.
Quoting Psalm 34:18, the minister said the Lord was near the family because their hearts were hurting and their spirits were crushed.
He also cautioned the family against opportunists who might seek to take advantage of the situation following the loss of the head of the family.
Maphalala said God remained with the family even during the difficult period. He prayed against division and urged the family to remain united.
“May God comfort the family and his loved ones during such trying times. Some people will say different things, have opinions about the CJ as per the norm for people in the public eye.
“However, God is there to collect your tears as someone who is close to those who are broken-hearted and will cover you in your pain when you direct it to him,” said the housing minister.
State funeral confirmed for Saturday
FAREWELL to late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala at a State funeral at his Lawuba home.
On Friday there will be a memorial service at Zakhele FEA, which is expected to bring together the country’s leadership and judiciary. The service will start at 10am.
Acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini announced the arrangements as Cabinet ministers, members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), senior government officials and representatives from the Judiciary and legal fraternity gathered at Lawuba to pay their respects.
Dlamini said Maphalala would be accorded a hero’s funeral in recognition of his contribution to the country.
He said the decision reflected the recognition of Maphalala’s work, particularly his role as Chief Justice in upholding the rule of law and handling difficult situations.
Dlamini also expressed appreciation to Their Majesties for the gesture, saying the country had lost a man who stood for the nation and peace.
“Our condolences to Their Majesties as well for losing a man of Maphalala’s calibre who stood for the country and for the truth against all odds, always calling for peace. He has left a huge space; his absence is already felt,” said Dlamini.
He said leading the funeral of a national hero fell within the prerogative and mandate of the office of the deputy prime minister.
Dlamini further extended condolences to the Judicial Service Commission and the registrar’s office which worked closely with the late chief justice.
JSC member Mfanzile Dlamini said he had known Maphalala since 1991, when they were at university, not knowing that they would later work together.
He described Maphalala as a good-hearted person who wished well for those he worked with. He urged the bereaved family not to lose hope during the difficult period.
“There will neither be early nor late for their appointment with God,” he said.
Maphalala’s brother Shaka, said the family was at a loss for words and was struggling to accept the death of the chief justice.
He said the late chief justice had contributed significantly to both the family and the wider community.
Shaka said the CJ was passionate about education and would pay school fees for children who were not his own.
“We have lost a key figure in the administration of justice, my brother’s death has left a huge gap in the Judiciary, the family and the community as the nation prepares to honour him,” Shaka said.
CJ transformed, strengthened Judiciary – Principal magistrate
THE late CJ Bheki Maphalala left a stronger Judiciary than the one he found when he assumed office.
Principal Magistrate David Khumalo said Maphalala played a key role in expanding the courts, appointing judges and strengthening the country’s appellate structures.
Speaking during a condolence gathering at the Maphalala family home, Khumalo said the Judiciary was in a weak state in many respects when Maphalala became Chief Justice.
He said government had previously taken a long time to appoint judges, but Maphalala moved quickly to address the shortage, initially appointing four judges at once before further appointments were made.
Khumalo said the country also did not have a home-grown Supreme Court at the time. He added that Maphalala was instrumental in the establishment of the country’s own Supreme Court and Court of Appeal.
He said Maphalala sought an audience with His Majesty King Mswati III and government to push for the development of these institutions.
Khumalo said Maphalala also strengthened the Industrial Court of Appeal by ensuring that a permanent panel was appointed.
Previously, he said, High Court judges would serve at the Industrial Court and form the appellate court when required.
The late chief justice also played a role in addressing the Judiciary’s infrastructure needs.
Khumalo said Maphalala persuaded government to rent Madlenya House for the Court of Appeal and the FINCORP building for the Industrial Court while another facility was secured in Siteki for the Master’s Office.
“He was a great negotiator,” Khumalo said.
He also described Maphalala as a principled and fearless judicial officer who placed the fair administration of justice at the centre of his work.
He said the late chief justice was prepared to make difficult decisions to ensure fairness even where he knew the decisions could attract negative reactions from authorities.
He cited the Phase II judgment involving junior officers as an example.
He said Maphalala questioned why some officers had received Phase I payment while others had not, particularly when the junior officers were expected to help maintain peace in the country.
He said the judgment demonstrated Maphalala’s commitment to justice and his willingness to speak out for people who could not speak for themselves.
Khumalo said Maphalala viewed his work as a calling and was committed to ensuring justice was served.
He also described him as loyal and principled, saying he took a bold stand during the civil unrest without compromising his principles.
“If others had received Phase I payment, why would then others not receive the Phase II?
“He was a hero that stood for things that he believed in, a man who was fearless when he saw things that would have adverse inroads into the Judiciary’s independence,” Khumalo said.
He further urged the Maphalala family to remain united and look to God during the difficult period.
He described Maphalala as a traditionalist who was also passionate about education and urged his children to emulate their father’s work ethic and achievements.
“If they can work hard like him, another chief justice can come from the same family of company executives,” Khumalo said.
Assistant Attorney General Mbuso Simelane said Maphalala’s death had come as a shock, as they had hoped he would recover from his illness and remain Chief Justice until retirement.
Simelane said he had planned to visit Maphalala in hospital after learning that he was unwell, only to later learn of his passing. He described the death as a huge loss to the country and prayed for unity and strength within the bereaved family.
“Besides working professionally with him, we were a family as we work with his daughter Busi. The death was so sudden. May the Lord comfort the family,” said Simelane.
