With sadness, the Electoral Commission (IEC) has learned of the passing away of one of its Commissioners, Judge Herbert Qedusizi Msimang.
Judge Msimang was appointed by President Thabo Mbeki as one of the Commissioners of the IEC on 20 February 2006, for a period of seven years. His appointment was part time since he also was the Judge, acting Judge President and, since 29 April 2011, Judge President of the KwaZulu-Natal High Court.
Judge Msimang participated actively in the work of the Electoral Commission especially during the 2006 Local Government Elections and the 2009 national and provincial elections. Recently, in October 2010, Judge Msimang represented the IEC at the mid-term elections in the United States and participated in the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) workshop on strengthening electoral democracy.
He also participated in elections in various countries such as Palestine, Zimbabwe and Zambia and also took part in a conference of the Electoral Commissions Forum of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region in Namibia.
According to Dr Bam, the Chairperson of the IEC, “The passing on of Judge Msimang is a heavy blow to the IEC especially that it came at a time when we are preparing for the 2011 local government elections. We relied heavily on Judge Msimang’s legal expertise and incisive decisions on issues pertaining to electoral processes and human rights.”
The Commission pays tribute to Judge Msimang for his contribution to electoral democracy in South Africa. Our condolences go to his family, friends, colleagues and all who were close to him.
Enquiries:
Kate Bapela
Cell: 082 600 6386
E-mail: spokesperson@elections.org.za
