Mthiyane was a well-loved leader of the legal fraternity. At a time when the transformation of the judiciary was putting a strain on collegiality, he was a unifying figure. He was an excellent judge and always a support for his colleagues, especially juniors and a treasured, generous and deeply principled colleague.

Leaving a lasting legacy, Ockie planted most of the trees in Richards Bay, and carried out the initial layout of the beach area back in the days when there was only sand, and no grass, in what is today the recreational area at Alkantstrand Beach.

Singh was the pillar of the PELRC and an advocate for labour peace. The many successes scored by the PELRC was as a result of his guidance and his ability to follow up on the implementation of decisions taken. He had an incredible passion for his work. He understood workers' vulnerability in employers' hands, hence his over preparation when attending to members' cases. He criss-crossed the province, capacitating regional and branch leaders as well as site stewards. Because of his success in membership representation, he became known as the 'SADTU Bush Lawyer'. He got this name because of the knowledge and skills he had of the education employment law even though he had never trained in that aspect.

He will be remembered always for the sacrifices that he made for his family.