This is the biography of Justice Sello Nare (1943 – 2024), a prominent Zimbabwean judge and the Chairperson of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). His career spanned education, law, and national reconciliation. He was known for his dedication to peacebuilding and his commitment to justice.
Justice Sello Nare Early Life and Education
Justice Sello Nare was born in 1943 in Ward 19, Kafusi, Gwanda District, Matabeleland South. He attended Kafusi Primary School and later received a bursary to study at Dadaya Mission. His early career began in education. He trained as a teacher and worked in Zvishavane and Gwanda between 1963 and 1970. He later served as a headmaster from 1971 to 1973.
Justice Sello Nare Transition to Law
Nare’s interest in the legal profession grew during his teaching years. He joined the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) and rose through the ranks from court interpreter to judge. He trained at the Judicial College and studied for his LLB at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Fluent in six local languages, Nare’s linguistic skills aided his work as a court interpreter.
Justice Sello Nare Legal Career
Nare’s legal career saw him serve in various capacities across Zimbabwe. He worked as a magistrate in Bulawayo, Hwange, and Chiredzi. He later became the provincial magistrate for Mashonaland West and Matabeleland North. In 1993, he was promoted to regional magistrate in Harare. He also served as Senior Regional Magistrate in Mutare before becoming President of the Administrative Court in Bulawayo in 2003. In 2006, he was appointed President of the Labour Court in Bulawayo, a position he held until his retirement in 2013.
Justice Sello Nare Chairperson of NPRC
Justice Sello Nare Biography [Image: Herald]
In March 2018, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Nare as the Chairperson of the NPRC. He succeeded Cyril Ndebele, who passed away in 2016. As NPRC Chair, Nare played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s peacebuilding efforts. He travelled across the country, advocating for reconciliation and unity.
Personal Life
Nare was deeply committed to his faith. He served as an elder at the Church of Christ in Bulawayo. He also chaired the Lupane State University Staff Disciplinary Committee. Nare was known for his humility and ethical conduct. He was fluent in Sotho, Ndebele, Shona, Venda, Nyanja, and English. He also had a strong understanding of Kalanga and Shangani.
Justice Sello Nare Death
Justice Sello Nare passed away on 29 September 2024 at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. He had been receiving specialist medical care following a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife, Leticia Gladys Nare, three children, and eleven grandchildren.
References
- NPRC Chairperson Justice Sello Nare Has Died In South Africa -iHarare.
- Justice Sello Nare Obituary – County Local News
