Windhoek: The Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, has announced the appointment of 27 magistrates by the Office of the Judiciary during the 2025/26 financial year. This announcement was made in the National Assembly last week as part of the motivation for the judiciary’s budget, which amounts to N.dollars 600,969,000.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the budget also includes provisions for the appointment of six judges to the High Court, with the total cost of these appointments estimated at N.dollars 13.4 million. Minister Immanuel emphasized that these appointments are expected to alleviate the burden on the courts, particularly the Lower Courts, which are crucial for delivering justice to the majority of the population.
In his address, Immanuel highlighted recent strides in enhancing the judicial system, citing the inauguration of the Hoachanas Periodical Court and the Environmental Crimes Court in Otjiwarongo as part of efforts to decentralize justice services and provide specialized justice delivery. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a Public Procurement Court, aimed at ensuring swift and expert-led resolution of procurement disputes and facilitating economic opportunities and empowerment.
The judiciary’s budget also covers infrastructural developments, including the construction of a new magistrate’s court in Nkurenkuru and the renovation of magistrate courts in Oshakati, Karasburg, Katima Mulilo, Walvis Bay, and Omega 1. Additionally, there will be improvements in residential accommodations for magistrates across the country.
Minister Immanuel detailed the financial allocations within the judiciary’s budget, stating that N.dollars 36,675,000 is earmarked for Supreme Court adjudication and administration, N.dollars 116,645,000 for the High Court, and N.dollars 240,903,000 for the Lower Courts, with an additional N.dollars 206,746,000 allocated for policy support and coordination.