Message of condolence on the passing of Professor Shadrack Billy Otwori Gutto
The Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Professor Shadrack Gutto on 13 October 2023.
As a valued member of the Justice Family, Prof. Gutto significantly contributed to developing many policies, legislative instruments, and institutional building mechanisms during the Department's early years.
He was an integral part of the Department, serving under several Ministers of Justice and Constitutional Development, including Ministers Dullar Omar, Penuel Maduna, Bridgette Mabandla, and Enver Surty. Prof. Gutto played a crucial role in crafting the Department's foremost justice policy document, the Justice Vision 2000, and in drafting several legislative instruments such as the Equality Act (2000), Restitution of Land Rights Act, Communal Property Associations Act, Extension of Tenure Security Act (1994-1997), Communal Land Rights Act (2004), and Protection of Information Bill (2008).
He also served as a Special Advisor to Minister Mabandla in 2006 and provided critical insights into conceptualizing the Branch: Constitutional Development. Prof. Gutto contributed constitutional legal opinions, conducted commissioned research and judicial training, and participated in legislative drafting for several Ministries and Departments on laws dealing with land affairs, justice, health, education, arts, science & technology, and intelligence.
Moreover, he chaired many committees, including the National Legal Aid Transformation Team (1998-1999) and the Ministerial Panel of Experts on the Development of Policy on Ownership of Land by Foreigners (2004-2007). He also served as a Member of the National Refugee Relief Fund Board and the Legal Services Charter Steering Committee (2004-2007).
The Ministry remembers Prof. Gutto as a passionate human rights advocate who provided invaluable advice to our Ministers and Senior Management on transforming the justice sector. We remain indebted to him for his dedication and commitment to his historic contributions to South Africa's Constitution-making process and the Justice Sector post-democracy.
We take this opportunity to celebrate Prof. Gutto's life, times, and remarkable literary works, which will continue influencing policy and planning in human rights and constitutional law for many years. His legacy will live on, and his immense contribution to the Department and the country will never be forgotten.
Lastly, the Ministry thanks Prof. Gutto's family for sharing this great African Intellectual with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. We offer our condolences to his loved ones and friends for their loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Enquiries:
Mr. Chrispin Phiri
Spokesperson: Ministry of Justice and Correctional Services
Cell: 081 781 2261
