Namibia's Chief Justice Peter Shivute has paid tribute to his predecessor, Johan Strydom, who passed away at the age of 88 in Swakopmund on Friday. In a statement issued by the Office of the Judiciary, Shivute described Strydom as a selfless and dedicated leader who served the judiciary and Namibia with distinction. Strydom had a long and illustrious career, serving in various capacities in the judiciary.
Strydom served as the first judge president of Namibia's High Court after the country's independence in 1990 and was appointed as Namibia's third chief justice in 1999, succeeding Ismail Mahomed. He served as chief justice until June 2003 and was then appointed as acting chief justice until September 2004. Thereafter, he continued to serve as an acting judge of appeal of the Supreme Court until 2015.
Shivute praised Strydom's dedication to the judiciary, saying he laid a strong foundation for the rule of law and transformation of the judiciary, furthering the principle of judicial independence. Strydom's contribution to the development of jurisprudence in Namibia was immense, covering various areas of the law, including constitutional law, administrative law, and commercial law.
Strydom's personal assistant during his tenure as head of Namibia's judiciary, Mina Viljoen, described him as a patient, humble, and considerate man who was liked by everyone. She recalled that Strydom had an open-door policy and would listen to both sides of a complaint before resolving a problem. He also enjoyed receiving visits from his grandchildren at his office at the Supreme Court in Windhoek.
Viljoen also remembered Strydom as a devout Christian who did not need to loudly proclaim his faith, as his nature was a testimony to his beliefs. As a judge, Strydom was equally at home in civil cases and criminal law. He was born at Otjiwarongo in June 1938 and grew up at Outjo, where he attended school before studying at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.
Strydom obtained his BA LLB degrees from the University of Stellenbosch and worked as a public prosecutor in Windhoek for a year before starting to practice law as an advocate in 1965. He obtained senior counsel status in 1982 and was appointed as a judge of the then High Court of South West Africa in 1983. He was appointed as acting judge president of the High Court with Namibia's independence in March 1990.
Strydom is survived by his wife, Lena, his son, lawyer Albert Strydom, his daughter, Lizette Burt, and their families. The chief justice's tribute to Strydom is a testament to his legacy and contributions to Namibia's judiciary. Strydom's 38 years of dedicated public service will be remembered for years to come.
Key points
- Johan Strydom, Namibia's third chief justice, has died at the age of 88.
- Strydom served in various capacities in the judiciary, including as chief justice from 1999 to 2003.
- He was remembered for his dedication to the judiciary and his contributions to the development of jurisprudence in Namibia.
