Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has paid tribute to Advocate Mvuseni Edward Ngubane, describing him as one of the finest legal brains in the country.
Delivering the eulogy at Ngubane's funeral in Durban on Friday, Zuma said Ngubane, who was found dead in his car at his home last Saturday, was highly respected in the legal profession and in society at large.
"Advocate Ngubane was a gentleman and a true patriot, a dedicated legal practitioner who used his expertise to make a difference in the lives of many, and to take forward the transformation of our country," he added.
The President noted Ngubane's many accomplishments in the legal field.
This included the advocate availing his services to about 150 families during the TRC hearings; playing a key role in resolving conflicts in the taxi industry; as well as convening and chairing the Special Tribunal set up by the MEC of Health in KwaZulu-Natal, which speedily resolved the dispute of 1 000 striking nurses.
"Advocate Ngubane also had outstanding leadership skills at an organisational level. This was demonstrated in his tenure as the Chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association in Durban for two consecutive terms, and later its President again for two consecutive terms from 2001 to 2005. He also served two terms as Co-Chair of the Law Society of South Africa," the president said.
Ngubane was also earmarked as Secretary of the Commission on the Strategic Arms Procurement process known as the Arms Deal Commission.
"The life of this friend, compatriot and comrade that we are laying to rest today, who was occupied not only with fulfilling personal interests, but in advancing the aspirations of the entire society, typified a South African we must all aspire to," Zuma said.
