Communication Manager of the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA), Barbara Whittle passed away on 10 July. Ms Whittle has been in the employ of the LSSA since 1987.

By Nomfundo Jele

The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) is deeply saddened by the untimely death of its Communication Manager, Barbara Whittle. Ms Whittle lost her battle with cancer and passed away in the afternoon of 10 July. She was 55 years old.

On learning of her death, LSSA President, Mvuzo Notyesi said in a statement: ‘The LSSA, its Exco, staff and the profession have lost a colleague, a dear friend, and mentor passionate about people and her job.’

He added: ‘Barbara has been in the employ of the LSSA since 1987. She started off as an Editorial Assistant and worked her way through the ranks to become Communication Manager in 2006. She loved and lived for the LSSA and the legal profession, always serving with a smile. She served the profession in a professional, competent and objective manner; always remembering the core objectives on the independence of the profession, the judiciary and the rule of law. She always went the extra mile and continued to work right up until the end.’

The LSSA offered its support, thoughts and prayers to Ms Whittle’s husband Marius who has walked every step with her and with the LSSA all these years. ‘May he find solace in the knowledge that Barbara was loved, appreciated and admired by the staff and stakeholders of the LSSA, the legal profession and beyond,’ the statement read.

The National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL) also paid tribute to Ms Whittle. In a press release, NADEL remembered Ms Whittle working tirelessly for the cause of unity of the legal profession post-1994. NADEL described Ms Whittle as ‘always the busiest, whilst the negotiations processes were slow. She was open and confident when suspicion and doubt filled the air and had the broadest smile that broke down barriers.’

NADEL added: ‘She was a trusted official, dealing positively with differences and never indulging in any gossip or disclosing information that was within her own knowledge. It was these qualities that made her a force within the legal profession. … We have lost a loyal friend to everyone. An exemplary example of a true servant of our young democracy who taught us to be human.’

Nomfundo Jele, Communications Officer, Law Society of South Africa, nomfundom@lssa.org.za