07 Aug 2014

Former chief justice, Mr Julian Nganunu, who passed away on August 3, will be buried in Gaborone on August 9.

A news release from the Administration of Justice stated that Mr Nganunu’s memorial service was scheduled for Friday, August 8, at the Anglican Church in Gaborone. Mr Nganunu was appointed chief justice on July 23, 1997 and retired on February 1, 2010.

Prior to joining the Administration of Justice as a judge in 1992, he had an expansive and successful legal career, which started at the Attorney General’s Chambers in September 1969 where he rose through the ranks from assistant state counsel until he left as deputy attorney general in 1976.

From February 1977 to December 1978, he was permanent secretary in the then Ministry of Mineral Resources and Water Affairs. During his time at the ministry, he served as chairman of the Botswana Power Corporation, Water Utilities Corporation, Botswana Diamond Valuing Company (Pty) Ltd and was a member of the board of directors of Botswana Development Corporation, Bank of Botswana and Botswana Vaccine Institute amongst others.

He also served as a director in various boards. He later joined the law firm Richard Lyons Attorneys as a partner from December 1979 to March 1981 when he established his own law firm practising under J.M. Nganunu and Company.

“During his tenure as chief justice, Mr Nganunu introduced futuristic institutional and judicial reforms which are now the envy of our neighbouring countries. He was a visionary leader and his impact while steering the judiciary continues to resonate throughout the Administration of Justice,” the release stated. ENDS