Both the High Court and Supreme Court are to be hit by the retirement of a number of judges within the next five years.

Chief Justice Peter Shivute describes this as a national concern, as far as how the departing judges will be replaced.

There are five permanent judges of appeal at the Supreme Court and thirty at the High Court.

The anticipated retirements that will have an impact on the courts of law are explained as occurring for personal reasons prior to retirement age.

The process of replacing and recruiting judges is already proving difficult.

"This is therefore a matter that is of national concern and will require the collective wisdom of all the organs of state. Nevertheless, in our attempt to remedy the unsavory situation, the Judicial Service Commission has taken a decision to afford opportunities for acting appointments at the High Court to as many eligible persons as possible. Such appointments are made under carefully crafted guidelines that include a basic competency assessment and a fitness and suitability interview. Furthermore, I have recently set up several in-house committees to deliberate on challenges facing the judiciary and plan for the future. One such committee is dedicated to training. The training committee's mandate includes developing and implementing an aspirant judge's program for qualified candidates."

Currently, there are three acting judges at the High Court in Windhoek, two in Oshakati, and one acting judge at the Supreme Court.