Staff Reporter
FORMER Chief Justice Gert Johannes Cornelius “Johan” Strydom, who served as Namibia’s third Chief Justice from 1999 to 2003, has died at the age of 88.
Strydom died in Swakopmund today (25 September 2026), the Office of the Judiciary announced.
He was appointed Chief Justice in 1999, succeeding Chief Justice Ishmail Mohamed, and continued serving as an acting judge of the Supreme Court of Namibia until 2015.
The Judiciary described Strydom as a dedicated public servant who contributed to the development of the rule of law, judicial independence and the transformation of the Judiciary.
His contribution to Namibian jurisprudence covered various areas of law, including constitutional, administrative, criminal and procedural law, commercial law, insolvency and admiralty law.
The Judiciary said his contribution to the administration of justice and the rule of law was reflected in the numerous judgments he authored and the positions he held during 38 years of public service.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute, on behalf of the Judiciary and himself, extended condolences to Strydom’s family, friends and the legal fraternity.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they mourn the passing of a selfless and dedicated leader who served the Judiciary and our country with distinction,” Shivute said.
The Judiciary also highlighted Strydom’s role during a period of significant institutional development, including the establishment of an independent administrative component of the Judiciary under Article 78(5) of the Namibian Constitution.
Photo: Namibian Judiciary
