Windhoek: The Department of Justice will use its budget of N.dollars 494.1 million for the 2026/2027 financial year to uphold the rule of law, protect human rights, and deliver accessible and timely legal services to all Namibians. Motivating the Vote 16 budget in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Justice and Labour Relations Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel said the department remains committed to its core mandate. The statement was delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Immanuel stated that the ministry will prioritize expanding access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and indigent citizens, through strengthened legal aid services and decentralization of key functions such as those of the Master of the High Court. An allocation of N.dollars 82.7 million has been set aside for the Directorate of Legal Aid to promote equitable access to legal representation. During the 2025/2026 financial year, the directorate received 9,352 applications, of which 5,383 were approved, 2,766 refused, and 1,397 remain pending. This reflects a 57.6 percent approval rate, enabling legal representation for indigent litigants in civil, criminal, and family matters.
Digital initiatives, including a Legal Aid Customer Self-Help Portal, will allow applicants to submit and track applications online. Plans are underway to establish legal aid hubs at police stations, correctional facilities, and magistrates’ courts nationwide. The Directorate of the Master of the High Court has been allocated N.dollars 29.5 million to improve service delivery through digitalization and upgraded case management systems. The directorate oversees deceased and insolvent estates, appoints executors and trustees, supervises trusts, and protects minors and incapacitated persons through the Guardians Fund.
Community courts have been allocated N.dollars 3.82 million for infrastructure and operational support, including the procurement of 11 vehicles. Currently, 42 community courts are recognized, with 37 operational. In the past financial year, community courts handled 2,785 cases and finalized 2,389, achieving an 85.8 percent finalization rate. Immanuel also noted that N.dollars 50 million has been directed towards operationalizing the Witness Protection Unit to safeguard witnesses and strengthen the justice system. The Office of the Ombudsman will receive N.dollars 26.5 million, with administrative support continuing until legislation ensuring its full independence is enacted.
The minister urged lawmakers to support the budget, warning that inadequate funding could undermine development, erode public trust, and weaken the rule of law.