Description
Parliament of South Africa mourns the untimely passing of Advocate Modibedi Eric Phindela, Secretary to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), whose distinguished career and unwavering commitment to parliamentary service made a lasting contribution to South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, extend their heartfelt condolences to the Phindela family, friends, colleagues and the broader legislative community.
A Legacy of Parliamentary Service
Advocate Phindela served the NCOP with distinction, initially as Under-Secretary before becoming Secretary to the Council on 1 June 2010, following unanimous support from all nine provinces.
Throughout his tenure, he provided invaluable procedural and legal counsel to successive Presiding Officers and Members of Parliament. His extensive knowledge of the Constitution, parliamentary rules and legislative processes strengthened the NCOP's ability to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
His passing comes as the NCOP prepares to commemorate its 30th anniversary in 2027, marking a profound loss for an institution he helped shape over many years.
A Distinguished Legal and Legislative Career
Advocate Phindela's professional career spanned law, academia, dispute resolution and legislative administration. His previous roles included:
• Law Lecturer and Deputy Dean of Law at the University of the North
• Researcher at the Constitutional Court
• Commissioner at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)
• Senior Legal Adviser and Executive Manager of Parliamentary Proceedings at the Mpumalanga Legislature
• Senior official in the administration of the Pan-African Parliament
He also served as Chairperson of the Secretaries' Association of the Legislatures of South Africa (SALSA), contributing to strengthening legislative institutions nationally.
Internationally, he participated in parliamentary forums associated with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments.
In September 2026, he chaired the 60th meeting of the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments, held in Cape Town during the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
Parliament Pays Tribute
The Presiding Officers described his unexpected passing as a devastating loss to Parliament and the broader legislative sector.
Parliament honours Advocate Modibedi Eric Phindela for his exceptional leadership, institutional knowledge and lifelong dedication to public service.
His contribution to parliamentary democracy and the strengthening of South Africa's legislative institutions will be remembered.
May his soul rest in peace.
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