Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Judiciary bid farewell to Justice Dave Smuts upon his retirement from the Supreme Court on Monday.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute described Smuts as a “towering figure in the legal profession,” retiring after decades of service marked by intellect, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Born on 17 November 1954, Smuts began his academic journey in South Africa, later earning his Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in 1983 through scholarships.
He also served as the Orville Schell, Jr. Fellow at Yale Law School in 1990, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of excellence in the legal field.
Smuts’s professional career began in 1982 when he was admitted as an attorney in the old South West Africa.
He co-founded Lorentz & Bone, a key legal firm, before establishing the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC) in 1988.
According to Shivute, the LAC still is a cornerstone institution that addresses human rights issues in Namibia.
Reflecting on Smuts’s contributions to Namibia’s judicial system, Shivute said: “Justice Smuts’ passion for justice was internationally recognised when he received the Human Rights Award from Human Rights Watch, New York, in 1990.”
Smuts’s judicial career has been equally distinguished.
Appointed to the High Court in 2010 and elevated to the Supreme Court in 2015, his extensive body of work includes over 200 reported judgments.
These have spanned various branches of law, leaving an indelible mark on Namibian jurisprudence.
His book, Death, Detention and Disappearance: A Lawyer’s Battle to Hold Power to Account in 1980s Namibia, chronicles his life and work, serving as a testament to his dedication to justice.
Shivute also welcomed Justice Hosea Angula to the Supreme Court.
Angula has served as Deputy Judge-President of the High Court since 2015 and acted as a Supreme Court Justice since 2018.
His career also began at Lorentz & Bone alongside Smuts
According to Shivute, his permanent appointment comes at a critical time, with the Supreme Court’s caseload steadily increasing.
He expressed confidence in Angula’s capabilities.
“His extensive experience and expertise will significantly contribute to the court’s ability to meet its growing demands,” he said.
He added that Angula’s appointment is expected to enhance the efficiency and depth of Namibia’s highest court.
While celebrating Smuts’s exemplary legacy, the nation can also look forward to the contributions Angula will bring to the Supreme Court.
“Justice Smuts and Justice Angula share a unique bond, having walked together through the trenches in the early years of their careers as fearless human rights lawyers. Their stories are interwoven with the journey of justice in Namibia,” Shivute said.
