The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) have paid tribute to Advocate Modibedi Eric Phindela, Secretary to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), following his sudden death on Tuesday.
Phindela’s passing on November 3 has been described as a significant loss to Parliament, the legislative sector and local government, where he was regarded as a trusted adviser, experienced administrator and longstanding friend.
In separate statements issued on Wednesday, SALGA and the GPL expressed their condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, remembering him for his contribution to constitutional democracy, parliamentary administration and strengthening relations between different spheres of government.
SALGA said Phindela had maintained a longstanding relationship with the organisation, built on mutual respect, close working ties and his genuine commitment to local government.
The association said his position as NCOP secretary made him an important link between the council and SALGA delegates, helping local government representatives navigate parliamentary processes through his knowledge of legislative procedures and willingness to provide guidance.
His understanding of Parliament’s work and the role of legislatures also made him a valuable source of advice to successive presiding officers and members.
Phindela served the NCOP first as under-secretary before becoming secretary. He had acted in the position from March 2009 and was formally appointed with effect from June 1, 2010, following a motion supported by all nine provinces and SALGA.
His professional experience extended beyond parliamentary administration, encompassing law, academia and dispute resolution.
SALGA president Bheke Stofile said Phindela’s knowledge of constitutional democracy and the functioning of Parliament and provincial legislatures would be sorely missed.
“Advocate Phindela’s authoritative guidance on constitutional democracy and the work of Parliament and the legislatures will be sorely missed. His distinguished career reflected an unwavering commitment to constitutional values and participatory democracy,” said Stofile.
He said the association would remember not only Phindela’s professional expertise but also the friendship and generosity with which he shared his knowledge.
SALGA said his death had left a profound void in Parliament and the local government family, acknowledging his contribution to the NCOP and the broader legislative sector.
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature also described Phindela as a respected figure whose presence brought wisdom, calmness and legal insight to the legislative environment.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, GPL secretary Advocate Mpho Maloka, on behalf of the presiding officers and the institution, extended condolences to the Phindela family and those who worked alongside him.
Maloka described Phindela as a “gentle giant” of the legislative family, saying he had a rare ability to make provincial representatives feel heard.
“His loss is deeply painful. We have lost a statesman, and many of us have lost a trusted colleague whose kindness we will never forget,” Maloka said.
The legislature extended its condolences beyond Parliament and the NCOP to the international community of parliamentary clerks, including the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in Commonwealth Parliaments (SoCATT), as well as the Pan-African Parliament community.
It said Phindela’s passing would be felt across the legislative community, where his professional contribution and personal relationships had earned him considerable respect.
The two institutions highlighted his role in strengthening cooperation between Parliament, provincial legislatures and local government, particularly through the NCOP, which provides a platform for provinces and local government to participate in national legislative processes.
For SALGA, his contribution went beyond the responsibilities attached to his office. The association said he had consistently offered guidance that helped its representatives understand and participate in parliamentary work.
Stofile said the organisation stood in solidarity with Phindela’s family and loved ones during what he described as a painful time.
Both institutions said his legacy would be remembered through his dedication to public service, constitutional values and participatory democracy.
“Robala ka kgotso, Advocate Phindela. May your soul rest in eternal peace,” the Gauteng Provincial Legislature said.
