10 Aug 2014

Former chief justice, Mr Julian Nganunu has been laid to rest.

Former president, Sir Ketumile Masire, was among mourners at Justice Nganunu's funeral in Gaborone on August 8. Speakers paid tribute to one of Botswana’s legal gurus, whose contribution to the local jurisprudence was unparalleled.

Speakers who included legal practitioners, former workmates, friends and family members; all described Mr Nganunu as a humble yet a big man in all respect who  associated with all people from different classes and social standing.

One of the speakers Mr Batshani Ndaba, who was a representative from the village of Mapoka, where Mr Nganunu originated, said the deceased had passion for farming especially cattle rearing and breeding which he started late in his life.

Mr Ndaba, who turned the gathering into a national heroes’ day celebration and left everybody laughing, noted that the humble and well regarded Mr Nganunu, was a role model in the village of Mapoka and the North East District.

In addition, he said Mr Nganunu cherished education and, among other things, advocated for the development and upliftment of his home village. He was also a fanatic of family reunions as he believed that people should know who their origins and relations.

He did not shy away from his home village as he constantly attended social events there, which he generously supported financially or otherwise.

For his part,  his school mate and friend Mr Sam Mphuchane told the gathering of how they used to work together at the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Affairs, where he deputised Mr Nganunu, who later negotiated on behalf of the government the formulation of official agreements that allowed for the development of Jwaneng and Letlhakane Diamond Mines.

“You know Mr Nganunu was so amazing as he was calm but so good at negotiating looking at the fact that he was dealing with shrewd businessmen at the time,” he said amid loud applause and laughter from mourners.

Another speaker, Mr Kgalalelo Monthe, who represented the Law Society, said he had known Mr Nganunu in 1989 when he came to ask for a job at his law firm in Francistown and was immediately employed after a five minute interview. 

He remembers him for his love for corporate law which he was good at. Other speakers at the funeral include Chobe Holdings CEO Mr Jonathan Gibson, who spoke profoundly about the late Mr Nganunu who also was a shareholder in the company.

Meanwhile President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama sent a message of condolence paying tribute to the achievements the late Mr Nganunu made while serving in the government. 

He extended his heart felt grief to the family and relatives of the deceased. Likewise, former president Mr Festus Mogae, who is out of the country sent a message of condolences.

Justice Nganunu was born on Septembers 23, 1941 in Mapoka. He joined Attorney General’s Chambers in September 1969 as an Assistant State Counsel and left in 1976 as Deputy Attorney General.

He was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Water Affairs from February 1977 to December 1978. 

He was a partner at Richard Lyons Attorneys from 1979 to 1981 and from 1981 to 1992 ran his own legal practice under the name JM Nganunu & Co.
He was appointed Judge of the High Court on February 24, 1992 and on July 23, 1997 was appointed Chief Justice following the death of Chief Justice Mr Moleleki Mokama. 

He retired on February 01, 2010 due to ill health. Mr Nganunu, who died on August 2, at his cattle post near Takatokwane after having his last supper with his herdsmen, has been not well for some time. He leaves behind his mother, children, grandchildren and siblings.  ENDS