Minister Ndebele on the passing away of South Africa's longest serving traffic chief

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has conveyed condolences to the family of Mr John Schnell, former Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate and one of South Africa's longest serving traffic chiefs, who passed away yesterday (13 February 2012).

"On behalf of the Transport Family, we wish to convey condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr John Schnell who passed away yesterday (13 February). John was in the employ of the state for more than 41 years until he retired in 2010, and his sheer energy astonished us. He will be sorely missed.

"In the history of traffic law enforcement in South Africa, there has probably been numerous traffic chiefs' who displayed some of the law enforcement virtues of learning, wisdom, compassion, eloquence, robust independence, impartiality, attentiveness, diligence, common sense, clarity of thought and of expression, administrative skills and strength of character. However, few have had all of these qualities, and to the high level, that was manifest by John Schnell.

"We have lost an anchor, but John will continue to be part of our professional frame of reference. What he has given us, what he has given KwaZulu-Natal, what he has given South Africa, what he has given the international traffic law enforcement fraternity, endures far beyond his tenure in government. Mr Schnell leaves us with many memories and with many contributions and insights, on which we will draw from for many years to come. May his soul rest in peace," said the minister.

Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 644 4050

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