Bringing a wealth of experience to the justice ministry

Shama Gure, a legal professional with a diverse background, has been appointed as the senior legal officer at the ministry of justice, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for justice to the role.

With an honours degree in industrial psychology and sociology and an LLB law degree from the University of Namibia (Unam), Gure is currently pursuing a master's in oil, gas and energy management. Additionally, he is about to fast-track a post-graduate diploma (PGDip) in drafting of contracts and legal instruments from the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

In the legal realm, Gure specialises in issues such as the apostille (legalising of Namibian public documents), processing requests for extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, processing requests for the reciprocal service of civil process on behalf of foreign governments, and processing requests for the reciprocal enforcement of foreign civil judgments on behalf of foreign governments.

Previously, he served as a public prosecutor within the ministry, and highlighted sports coordination under the Special Olympics, coaching in the women's soccer league and a brief stint in the Namibian men's premier league as some of his achievements beyond the workplace.



Continuous learning

Gure describes his new position as a platform for continuous learning, providing opportunities to meet people from all walks of life and creating links, friendships and opportunities. His short-term goal is to master every aspect of the work, with a keen interest in focusing on humanitarian law.

The department Gure works in is characterised by a good balance of male and female colleagues, forming a dynamic team with vast experience in different fields of law. Despite being the smallest department within the ministry, it feels more like a family due to its close-knit nature, he highlighted.

Reflecting on the legal services industry in Namibia, he noted its dynamic and diverse nature, encompassing various sectors such as law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies and non-governmental organisations. The legal profession in Namibia is regulated by the Law Society of Namibia, ensuring adherence to professional standards and ethics, he said.

Gure's passion for law stems from a desire to make a difference in people's lives by providing legal assistance and representation to those in need. The intellectual stimulation and challenge of critical thinking, analysis and problem-solving also drew him to the field.

He said he recently realised that his appointment in this role was a manifestation of time and effort, adding that he has much to learn from those who have gone before him. One career lesson he shares is to prioritise continuous learning and skill development, things he deems crucial in today's fast-paced and ever-changing job market.