Chief Justice Johan Strydom was buried today following a state funeral in recognition of his service to the nation.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, members of the judiciary, senior government officials, family and friends gathered to honour the late judicial veteran, who died on 25 September at the age of 88.
A military-led procession accompanied Strydom on his final journey, with the President, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force.
Strydom served Namibia's judiciary during a formative period in the country's history and is remembered for his contribution to the administration of justice and the development of the legal system.
The president reflected on Strydom's legacy, highlighting his dedication to the country and the knowledge he shared with others throughout his career.
"He was an institutional builder whose work forms a part of Namibia's transition to constitutional government. That contribution deserves respect and gratitude from our nation. We honour his legacy, and carrying forward the responsibility he shared with his generation, we must uphold the independence of the judiciary, protect the integrity of our courts, and strengthen access to justice."
His son, Albert Strydom, expressed gratitude to all those who supported the family and paid tribute to his father's life and service.
"Yes, ladies and gentlemen, there is no way that I will be able to fill his shoes, but you know what is nice is he left tracks, and I can follow in those tracks, and you see, it is the important thing, the legacy, to know and the knowledge to know where the right road is leading, even if you divert from it."
The current Chief Justice, Peter Shivute, also paid tribute to his predecessor, whose career left a mark on Namibia's judiciary.
"It had to be fair, accessible and grounded in the integrity of those who administer it. He stood firm during the republic's delicate formative years; he navigated legal complex challenges with a steady hand, always keeping the judiciary and the country uncut in our foundational principles of democracy, the rule of law and justice for all."
As part of the honours accorded to him, Strydom was given a state funeral in recognition of his service to the nation and honoured with a 17-gun salute.
His final journey brought together the country's leadership, the legal fraternity and his loved ones to remember a man whose life was dedicated to public service and the administration of justice.