Manzini – The late Chief Justice Moses Cuthbert Bhekie Maphalala was remembered as a father whose generosity extended beyond his immediate family, with his children revealing that he sometimes opened his home to clients who had nowhere else to stay.
Speaking during his State Memorial Service at Zakhele Free Evangelical Church’s new auditorium in Manzini on Friday, Maphalala’s daughter, Futhi Maphalala, said her father had a big heart and cared deeply for people around him.
The children recalled that while he was still practising as a lawyer, Maphalala would sometimes allow clients going through difficult circumstances to stay at his home.
This, they said, reflected the compassionate side of a man who was known publicly for serving as the head of the Judiciary but was also a father and source of support to many people outside his immediate family.
Among those attending the memorial were people who, although not related to him by blood, had been taken under his wing and treated as family.
For them, the late Chief Justice was remembered not only as a lawyer and judicial leader, but as a father who extended his care to others.
Futhi described her father as a good father and a generous man, highlighting the love and kindness he showed towards his children.
The family tribute formed part of a series of messages delivered during the State Memorial, which was attended by family members, Government officials, members of the Judiciary, dignitaries, judicial representatives from the region, friends and members of the public.
Namibia Chief Justice Peter Shivute also paid tribute to Maphalala, remembering him as a humble judicial leader whose service earned him respect beyond Eswatini.
Shivute said he had 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.
“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 in the international judicial community and made a significant contribution to regional and international judicial bodies.
Shivute further remembered him as a leader who carried the responsibility of his office with humility while remaining willing to offer counsel, encouragement and support to fellow judicial leaders.
Civil Service Commission Chairperson Simangaliso Mamba also described Maphalala as a fearless fighter who stood firmly for public service and institutional integrity.
Mamba highlighted his leadership, strength and dedication to duty, saying his contribution left a mark on Eswatini’s civil service and legal institutions.
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.
The late Chief Justice was also remembered by his brother, Nicodemus Maphalala, who paid tribute to his dedication and patience in serving the nation.
The different tributes reflected on Maphalala’s life both inside and outside the courtroom, with his family focusing on his generosity and fatherhood, while judicial leaders highlighted his contribution to the justice system and regional judicial cooperation.
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.
The State Memorial provided an opportunity for the nation, his family and judicial colleagues from Eswatini and the region to bid farewell to the former head of the Judiciary.
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