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Fidelis Munyoro
Chief Court Reporter
Veteran and decorated lawyer Sternford Moyo, the first African to hold the post of president of the International Bar Association (IBA), died yesterday after a short illness at the age of 68.
He was chairman and senior partner at one of the country’s oldest and largest law firms Scanlen and Holderness, which he joined in 1981.
An illustrious figure in legal circles, Mr Moyo was recognised as a formidable legal intellect.
The Law Society of Zimbabwe announced the death of Mr Moyo.
“It is with a heavy sense of grief and loss that the Law Society of Zimbabwe informs you of the untimely passing on of former president Mr Moyo.”
The society said Mr Moyo represented a rare breed of lawyers and business leaders who have blazed a trail on the global stage.
“The profession in Zimbabwe is all the poorer for his passing. The legal profession and Zimbabwe as a country has lost one of its luminaries in the field of law as well as business administration.
“Council of the Law Society of Zimbabwe, members and staff express their deepest condolences on this very tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace.”
Veteran lawyer Mr James Mutizwa paid tribute to Mr Moyo whom he deputised at the Law Society of Zimbabwe.
“His leadership qualities were impeccable and will be sadly missed,” he said. “My condolences to Serah, his dear wife and the whole family, as well as to the legal profession at large where he was a ready and willing resource person.”
Another veteran lawyer Mr Obert Gutu described Mr Moyo as a brilliant and a cutting-edge corporate lawyer with an analytical mind and gifted with always picking out the smaller, finer details of the law and explaining them with proficient ease and breathtaking competence.
“In the legal profession, we always looked up to Sternford for his leadership qualities as well as his clarity of both mind and thought,” said Mr Gutu.
“He had an imposing presence that exuded confidence in all those with whom he interacted with. Indeed, it was clear testimony to his leadership qualities that Sternford was elected the first African president of the International Bar Association.
“That historic achievement on his otherwise outstanding resume clearly proves that he was a lawyer from the top drawer.”
Mr Gutu said Mr Moyo’s untimely death was an irreplaceable loss not only to his family but also to the legal profession globally and in Zimbabwe. Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba said Mr Moyo was a gentleman before anything else, describing him as a professional lawyer to the heart. Mr Moyo, he said, represented his clients ethically and always paid due regard to his colleagues in practice.
“He was fearless and candid without being abrasive,” he said.
“He was always keen to learn even from younger and less experienced lawyers.”
He was admitted as a legal practitioner in 1982. He is survived by his wife Mrs Sarah Moyo and three children.
Online Reporter