The long-awaited implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Witness Protection Act will come into effect during this financial year.
This was revealed by Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab when she motivated her ministry's budget of close to N$600 million in the National Assembly.
The two legislations, which were signed into law in 2017 by President Hage Geingob, could not be implemented due to budgetary constraints.
Motivating her budget allocation for the 2023–2024 financial year, Dausab said provision has been made to implement the two laws this year.
"Staff structure and related administrative arrangements have been prepared and will be put in place to implement the crucial pieces of legislation in this financial year. Implementation of these laws has been a priority and will be done in phases over the 2023–24 period. The appointment of key positions will be completed, and official accommodations will be provided. Training of newly appointed officials is scheduled for this financial year."
The Whistleblower Protection Act provides for the establishment of a whistleblower protection office, which provides for procedures for disclosure of improper conduct, the investigation of disclosures of improper conduct, and the protection of whistleblowers. It also provides for the investigation of complaints of detrimental action, the review of certain decisions, and the remedies for persons against whom detrimental action is taken.
While the Witness Protection Act establishes the Witness Protection Unit that protects and assists witnesses and related persons.
"The witness and whistleblower protection will positively impact the successful prosecution of criminal cases in Namibia. The implementation of this legislation will further improve Namibia's efforts in the private and public sectors."
Parts of the Justice Ministry's allocation will be used to ensure accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery, as well as maintaining the rule of law, Dausab explained.
About N$60 million will go to the Directorate of Legal Aid to provide legal services to Namibians; N$18 million to the Directorate of Legislative Drafting; N$21 million to the Master of the High Court; and N$21 million to the Ombudsman's office. The Civil Litigation Directorate will get N$48 million, N$33 million to the Directorate of Legal Advice, and N$9 million to the Directorate of Land Reform."