Manzini – Namibia Chief Justice Peter Shivute has remembered the late Chief Justice Moses Cuthbert Bhekie Maphalala as a humble judicial leader whose service earned him respect across the region.
Shivute was speaking during Maphalala’s State Memorial Service at Zakhele Free Evangelical Church’s new auditorium in Manzini on Friday, where senior judicial figures from the region joined the nation in paying tribute to the former head of the Judiciary.
Shivute said he worked closely with Maphalala through the Southern and Eastern African Chief Justices Forum, where the late Chief Justice served with distinction and later became chairperson.
Maphalala will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 6am at Jerusalem, KuLawuba, in the Shiselweni Region, following an all-night vigil.
“I found him to be a leader of quiet strength and generous spirit and a good man at heart,” Shivute said.
He said Maphalala was highly respected within the international judicial community and made a significant contribution to regional and international judicial bodies.
Shivute said the late Chief Justice carried the responsibility of his office with humility while remaining willing to offer counsel, encouragement and support to fellow judicial leaders.
He said Maphalala’s service to Eswatini went beyond the visible duties associated with his office, pointing to the difficult decisions and work required to keep the courts functioning for people who depended on them.
The Namibia Chief Justice was among judicial representatives from South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe who joined the tributes during the memorial service.
Their participation reflected the regional judicial relationships Maphalala had built during his career and his involvement in regional judicial structures.
The memorial was also attended by members of the Maphalala family, Government officials, members of the Judiciary, traditional leaders, friends and members of the public.
A message on behalf of Their Majesties was delivered by traditionalist Hhansense Dlamini, while Minister for Tinkhundla and Administration Sikhumbuzo Dlamini delivered a message on behalf of Government.
Civil Service Commission Chairperson Simangaliso Mamba also paid tribute to Maphalala, describing him as a fearless fighter who stood firmly for public service and institutional integrity.
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