JSC enhances transparency in high court appointments

In a groundbreaking move towards transparency and accountability, the Judicial Service Commission has amended its regulations to conduct public interviews for judicial appointments to the High Court.

The decision aligns with the commitment to uphold constitutional principles.

The amended regulations, effective November 24, 2023, mandate that interviews for nominated candidates must be open to the public.

JSC enhances transparency in High Court appointments

In a groundbreaking move towards transparency and accountability, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has amended its regulations to conduct public interviews for judicial appointments to the High Court.

The decision aligns with the commitment to uphold constitutional principles.

The amended regulations, effective November 24, 2023, mandate that interviews for nominated candidates must be open to the public.

15 passenger vessels and 18 cruise liners expected in Namibia

Namibia is gearing up for the arrival of 15 passenger vessels at the port of Luderitz and 18 cruise liners at the port of Walvis Bay between November 2023 and February 2024.

The announcement, made by Dr. Albert Kawana, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, came during a presidential media briefing on government programmes and progress.

Namibia's strategic focus on bolstering its tourism industry involves not only preparing for increased vessel traffic but also ensuring the smooth processing of passengers and vessels.

Overcoming challenges with green hydrogen and resource discoveries

The Director General of the National Planning Commission, Obeth Kandjoze, says substantive efforts are underway to revive and propel Vision 2030.

Kandjoze, who was speaking at the President's media briefing on Monday, acknowledged that significant setbacks, due to unmet obligations and challenges, are experienced to achieve the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

The vision, conceived in 2004, aims to transform Namibia into a fully developed and industrialised nation, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.

De Klerk unsuccessful in challenging a preservation order

In a significant legal development related to the infamous Fishrot corruption scandal, Maren Brynard De Klerk's attempt to challenge a Preservation Order has hit a roadblock.

The High Court ruled that the case, which involved challenging the asset freezing order under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), would be struck from the court's docket due to non-compliance with document indexing requirements.

Heckmair killers sentenced

In a landmark ruling, Windhoek High Court Judge Christi Liebenberg handed down prison sentences of up to 30 years to two American citizens, Marcus Thomas and Kevan Townsend, for their involvement in the murder of André Heckmair.

The murder, which occurred on January 7, 2011, had remained the subject of investigations for several years, culminating in the recent sentencing.

The court found that Thomas and Townsend acted with a common purpose and intent when they shot Heckmair in the head in Gusinde Street, a cul-de-sac in Klein Windhoek.

High Court tackles COVID-19 vaccine transparency case

In a legal battle unfolding in the Windhoek High Court, the Health Defence League and several individuals are challenging the information and regulations surrounding the COVID-19 vaccination in the country.

The case, presided over by Judge Hosea Angula, ignites discussions about how vaccines are administered and the public's right to clear information.

The group bringing the case to court includes the Health Defence League and individuals such as Monika Ruppel, Manfred Jochen Försch, Werner Gertz, and Paul Du Plessis, represented by lawyer Richard Metcalfe.

Spate of suicides places spotlight on mental health support

A recent spate of suicides in various regions of Namibia has raised concern and shed light on a pressing need for enhanced mental health support and awareness.

The weekend police report shows that multiple suicides occurred between the 6th and the 8th of this month, including a 13-year-old, prompting a call for action. The report indicates that these tragic incidents affected individuals of different ages and backgrounds, underscoring the pervasive nature of mental health challenges. 

High Court postpones genocide agreement challenge

The High Court has postponed to November a lawsuit, led by opposition politician Bernadus Swartbooi and traditional representatives of the Herero and Nama communities, challenging the legality of the 1904–1908 genocide joint declaration between the Namibian government and Germany.

This case involves multiple applicants, including Bernadus Swartbooi, Herero, and Nama traditional authorities, against the speaker of the National Assembly, the National Assembly, the President, the Cabinet, and the Attorney-General.

High Court to review Veterans Act

The High Court is set to hear an application to review the Veterans Act following an application by Willem Beukes and former members of the South West African Territorial Force (SWATF) for alleged discrimination.

A high-stakes legal battle unfolded over alleged discrimination and exclusivity in the veterans legislation.

In a significant legal development, the High Court is poised to review and potentially amend the Veterans Act 2 of 2008 and the Veterans Amendment Act 3 of 2013.