Preesha Seetal
Image: Supplied
Preesha Seetal, Deputy Master at the Master of the High Court in Cape Town, passed away earlier this week.
She was a practising lawyer for several years and later joined academia where she lectured in law at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Seetal held BA (LAW), LLB and LLM degrees and was studying towards a doctorate.
Her passion and commitment to serve in the public service saw her join the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development 15 years ago. She served as Deputy Master at the Durban, Pretoria and – at the time of her demise – at the Cape Town Master's Office.
Seetal’s definition of a public servant was “someone who consistently and selflessly serving the public without concern for personal benefit”.
Given the heavy backlogs in deceased estate matters, she was committed to improve service delivery and educate the public on the role of the Master’s Office.
She was the daughter of Rupert (late) and Sushiela Dasarath; and sibling of Ishaan, Chantel and Merosha. Seetal leaves behind her husband Suren and three children, Smirthi, Saiuri and Suvan.
Kallay Pillay, the Acting Director-General at the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, extended their condolences to Seetal's family, friends and colleagues.
"Our thoughts and prayers remain with them during this difficult time. Her dedication in serving the department for 12 years will forever be remembered. She will be dearly missed by all colleagues who knew and worked with her," said Pillay.
Seetal's funeral will be held on Thursday at the Clare Estate Crematorium in Durban.