Windhoek: The Office of the Judiciary has called upon all magistrates to refrain from any industrial action as discussions among key stakeholders in the justice administration continue.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Judiciary acknowledged recent media reports and communications indicating that members of the Magistracy are contemplating industrial action over certain grievances. Judiciary spokesperson Vikitoria Hango addressed these concerns in a press statement on Wednesday.
This development comes after reports surfaced of magistrates nationwide threatening to cease work from Wednesday, 05 November, unless the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations engages with the Magistrates' and Judges' Association of Namibia (MJAN) over adjustments to housing and vehicle allowances. Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, representing the magistrates, warned that a strike could disrupt civil matters in regional courts nationwide. However, they also expressed a preference for resolving the issue amicably, calling for an urgent roundtable discussion, which led to the Judiciary's response.
Hango disclosed that a meeting was convened on Tuesday with the involved parties to discuss a path forward. The Honourable Chief Justice Peter Shivute led a meeting on 04 November 2025 with the Magistrates' Commission and senior officials of the Office of the Judiciary to deliberate on the matter.
Hango emphasized the Chief Justice's call for all magistrates to adhere to their oath of office and remain committed to upholding the rule of law and the justice system's integrity. She stressed the importance of serving the people of Namibia with dedication and professionalism while their grievances are being addressed.
She also noted that the Office of the Judiciary and the Magistrates' Commission are committed to addressing the welfare of judicial officers through established institutional mechanisms. The Judiciary expressed confidence that ongoing dialogue and cooperation would lead to a fair and amicable resolution, benefiting justice and the nation.