My first encounter with Mr. Ngubeni when he first arrived at this University, I think it was in 2012. I know so because he was staying at Esselen Residence and our motto then was inspired by maturity. To us, the Esselener’s, it was not just a motto but our way of life, which we embodied and fronted even when we interacted with those whose residences were regarded as “Michael Angelo’s” of Wits.

Our paths crossed again in 2019 when Mr. Ngubeni was in the Labour Unit under my supervision. I use to spend 5 hours a week with them dealing with legal issues of clients and pushing them hard as much as I can for the purpose of showing them the potential they have. I don’t recall a day or an incident whereby Ngubeni or his partner would not execute the instructions of the client and come with excuses. They were always prepared, willing to learn, and receptive to criticism.

Even when we received the instructions to disband the ANC Youth League, Ngubeni and his partner did not confront me or asked questions as to why were we accepting such instructions. I am saying this because I knew the political affiliation of the two and their political ambitions, But at no point did their political ambitions, affiliation, or belief barricaded the execution of the client’s instructions.

That was the character of Mr. Ngubeni, he was not a man of many words. He was very economical in what he says but surgical in execution.

This to me is how you measure the character of a person. That is how you know that you have a person of integrity, a reliable and dependable force. And words cannot tell the extent to which I am shattered by the passing of Mr. Ngubeni.

I would at least have expected that he will be the one giving an account about me and not the other way around. To his learned friends, friend, and comrades, the passing of Mr. Ngubeni must be a reminder about the fragility of life. It must remind us that in whatever that we do, we have no other choice but to give 110% because we are living on borrowed time.

The unreceptive nature and hostility predominately directed at black legal practitioners should not deter you from doing your best. Yes, you will be judged by the color of your skin, by your fluency in the English language and constantly have your abilities doubted but you must dare not surrender because you will be betraying the dreams, hopes, ambitions, and memories of Mr. Ngubeni.

To the family, thank you for bless- ing us with the noblest, the gentlest, and the best man. I will be lying if I say I know how you feel and contrary to the public perception, it is not in the nature of lawyers to lie. I have heard of the verse in the bible from the book of

Isaiah 57:18-19 reads as follows:”‘I have seen their ways, but I will heal them; I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners, creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,’ says the Lord, ‘And I will heal them.'”

As it is commonly said that time heals the wounds which I doubt that it does, I pray that with the passage of time, may your wounds be blunted.