MANZINI – A profound atmosphere of grief, honour, and deep reflection engulfed the new auditorium at the Zakhele Free Evangelical Assemblies, as thousands gathered for Chief Justice Moses Bheki Maphalala’s memorial.
The State memorial service brought together members of the royal family, top government officials, diplomats, judges, legal practitioners and ordinary citizens whose lives the late legal stalwart touched.
The vast, modern sanctuary of the Zakhele Free Evangelical Assemblies was filled to capacity, with seating accommodating the thousands of mourners who turn up.
Mourners dressed in dark attire, traditional Eswatini garments, and formal judicial robes creating a poignant visual reflection of a nation in mourning. The air inside the auditorium was thick with emotion, punctuated by solemn choir hymns, uplifting sermons, and silent tears as family members, colleagues and friends remembered a man who rose to the apex of the Judiciary without losing his humility or love for his roots.
Throughout the ongoing service, speaker after speaker painted a vivid portrait of Chief Justice Maphalala as an exceptionally hard-working jurist, a steadfast defender of human rights and above all, a devoted family man.
Civil Service Commission Chairman Simanga Mamba delivered a moving tribute, reflecting fondly on his time and personal friendship with the late chief justice. Mamba highlighted the late jurist’s unwavering commitment to fairness and equality, emphasizing that Maphalala spent his career fighting for the fundamental rights of everyone. Beyond his legal brilliance and stern commitment to justice, Mamba reminded the congregation of Maphalala’s soft, compassionate side, sharing how deeply he loved and cherished his family.
Representing His Majesty’s Government, Acting Deputy Prime Minister Sikhumbuzo Dlamini officially conveyed the State’s sorrow, describing the chief justice’s passing as a profound and irreparable loss to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Moving away from formal protocol, Dlamini shared a personal experience that showcases Maphalala’s empathy. He recalls a difficult period in his life when he lost when he lost the national election in previous years. During that time of disappointment, Maphalala reached out to offer comfort, wisdom and encouragement, demonstrating his innate ability to lift others up during their darkest hours.
Dlamini expressed the nation’s gratitude to His Majesty King Mswati III for honouring the late chief justice with a State memorial service and State funeral, fitting for the first liSwati to hold the highest office in the country’s Judiciary.
MOURNERS AT CJ BHEKI MAPHALALA’S MEMORIAL SERVICE
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