Tributes for Pietermaritzburg advocate
Moodley (42) died while flying from Johannesburg to Hong Kong on his way to attend an international law conference
A large crowd of mourners gathered at the Aryan Hall on Wednesday for the funeral of advocate Vershen Moodley SC.
Moodley (42) died while flying from Johannesburg to Hong Kong on his way to attend an international law conference and to also spend time with his family on holiday.
The funeral was attended by a range of high-profile legal figures who described Moodley’s death as a great loss to the legal profession.
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Chairperson of the Pietermaritzburg Bar Thandanani Mthembu SC said Moodley was a “young hero” who was held in high esteem by members of the bar.
Advocate Avril Potgieter SC remembered Moodley as a man who “from a young age, excelled”. Potgieter said Moodley was respectfully assertive and worked diligently, despite facing many challenges.
Acting Supreme Court of Appeal judge, justice Rishi Seegobin, said Moodley was committed to his professional development through the in-depth study of law and had resolutely carried out the responsibilities associated with the positions he held.
With her mother by her side, Moodley’s daughter Leyah Sen Moodley, bravely said a few words about her father describing him as the “best dad”.
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Moodley’s wife, Edesha Moodley, acknowledged that her husband was a highly respected professional but also paid tribute to him as the “pillar of the family”, stressing how important family was to her husband and how dedicated he was as a father and husband.
As pallbearers escorted Moodley’s coffin out of the hall, members of the legal fraternity, wearing their robes, formed a guard of honour at the entrance with their heads bowed in a mark of respect.
