Justice and Labour Relations Minister Wise Immanuel has notified the High Court that he will oppose an application by the Magistrates' and Judges' Association of Namibia challenging the government's role in determining magistrates' salaries, allowances and other conditions of service.

The Association, through its president Victor Nyazo, brought a review application in which the Association argues that certain provisions of the Magistrates Act give members of the Executive powers that should constitutionally rest with the Magistrates Commission.

The Association, represented by lawyer Florian Beukes, is asking the High Court to declare parts of the Magistrates Act invalid.

It argues that Parliament may regulate how the Commission exercises its functions but cannot transfer the substance of those responsibilities to the Executive.

The court challenge follows a long-running dispute between magistrates and the government over salaries, housing and vehicle allowances.

That dispute resulted in industrial action by magistrates in November 2025.