BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – Their Majesties has paid glowing tribute to the late Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, remembering him as a dedicated servant of the law whose years on the Bench helped shape Eswatini’s constitutional and judicial development.
The tribute was delivered during the State Memorial Service held at the Zakhele Free Evangelical Church (New Auditorium) in Manzini on Friday, September 18, 2026, where the country gathered to honour the life and service of one of its senior-most judicial figures.
Messages from Their Majesties and Government reflected not only on Maphalala’s contribution to the administration of justice, but also on the wider influence he had through mentorship, counsel and service to the nation.
Speaking on behalf of Their Majesties, Hhansense Mahhotela Dlamini conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Maphalala family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the Maphalala family,” Dlamini said.
He recognised the late Chief Justice’s many years of service to the law and the country, noting the important role he played within Eswatini’s justice system and legal landscape.
For Government, the memorial was also an opportunity to reflect on the contribution Maphalala made to the development of the country’s constitutional order.
Acting Deputy Prime Minister S’khumbuzo Dlamini said Government remained grateful for the responsibilities Maphalala carried during his years of public service.
“We are grateful for his contribution to the constitutional development of our country,” Dlamini said.
Government further recognised Maphalala’s service to the judiciary, his loyalty to the Crown and the influence he had on people who benefited from his mentorship and counsel.
His contribution, Government noted, went beyond courtrooms and legal proceedings.
Throughout his years of service, Maphalala also touched lives through community service, guidance and mentorship, leaving an imprint on colleagues, legal practitioners and members of society who encountered him during his career.
Dlamini also conveyed condolences to the late Chief Justice’s family, recognising that behind the senior judicial office was a husband, father, relative and loved one whose passing had left a deeply personal void.
The messages from Their Majesties and Government placed Maphalala’s service within the wider journey of Eswatini’s legal and constitutional development.
Their Majesties particularly recognised his contribution to the administration of justice and the country’s legal landscape, while Government highlighted his constitutional contribution, service to the judiciary, loyalty to the Crown and the lives he influenced through mentorship and counsel.
The State Memorial Service therefore became more than an occasion of mourning. It provided the nation with an opportunity to reflect on a life devoted to public service and to recognise the responsibilities Maphalala carried on behalf of the Kingdom.
As family, colleagues, dignitaries and members of the public remembered him, the tributes painted the picture of a Chief Justice whose contribution will remain part of Eswatini’s judicial and constitutional history.
His passing leaves behind a grieving family and a nation reflecting on years of service dedicated to the law, the judiciary and the Kingdom of Eswatini.
