In a recent session of the National Assembly, the Minister of Justice, Yvonne Dausab, took the floor to clarify the role of the Ministry of Justice and address concerns raised by PDM MP Hidipo Hamata.

The Minister emphasised that the Ministry of Justice does not have authority over prosecutorial decisions, as this falls under the purview of the Prosecutor General, an independent constitutional office. Yvonne Dausab explained that the Ministry of Justice's responsibility is purely administrative, including budgeting and providing support to the Prosecutor General's office. 

Landless People's Movement (LPM) MP Henny Seibeb presented a motion to look into the difficulties encountered by small-scale miners in the Erongo Region. The motion calls for increased recognition and support of the small miners.

Seibeb's motion provides a comprehensive account of the challenges confronting small-scale miners, whose operations play a crucial role in the local economy but are hindered by various obstacles. These challenges encompass regulatory constraints, limited access to mining areas, and the absence of adequate funding opportunities.

The address follows questions posed by PDM Leader McHenry Venaani to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, which drew attention to Article 19 of Namibia's Constitution.

Article 19 affirms every person's right to enjoy, practice, promote, and maintain their culture, language, tradition, or religion, provided it does not infringe on others' rights or the national interest. Venaani highlighted the plight of the |Khomanin community, which has practiced its beliefs and traditions but lacks communal land.

The Justice Minister, Yvonne Dausab, has addressed concerns around the operationalisation of the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Witness Protection Act in the National Assembly. 

"The importance of these two pieces of legislation in the fight against corruption in all its forms cannot be underestimated. In a world where corruption persists as a global challenge, these laws stand as beacons of hope, reflecting our unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in Namibia."

The mood around next year's national elections can already be felt, with NUDO's MP Josef Kauandenge having tabled a motion to amend the Namibian Constitution's Article 47. The motion aims to remove what is perceived as discriminatory clauses that prevent employees of regional councils and local authorities, as well as civil servants, from participating in parliamentary elections.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Kauandenge argued that the clauses violate international human rights standards.

Political analyst Dr. Ndumba Kamwanyah has commended the parliamentary standing committees' oversight visits, which he said provided a platform for ordinary citizens to give their input and raise concerns on matters of bread and butter.

He mentioned that this civic participation is crucial for lawmakers to understand the urgent and pressing issues that require their attention.

The National Assembly resumes its Eighth Session of the Seventh Parliament tomorrow following a recess in July. This session aligns with the 2023 Parliamentary Calendar, running until November 23, 2023.

During the recess, parliamentary standing committees actively engaged in oversight activities, addressing critical national issues.These included public hearings on lithium mining, visits to industrial parks, scrutiny of projects benefiting marginalized communities, and efforts to combat youth unemployment, among others

Historian and University of Namibia (UNAM) researcher Shampapi Shiremo has drawn attention to the ongoing efforts aimed at recognising the late Hompa Kandjimi-Hauwanga and repatriating his remains from Germany.

This he stated in an exclusive interview with Inside The Chambers.

Delving into Kandjimi-Hauwanga's role in the early 20th century, Shiremo is currently writing a book on the late Hompa Kandjimi-Hauwanga.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Professor Peter Katjavivi, has put forth a motion in parliament on Cuba.

Katjavivi's proposal, submitted on Thursday during a meeting with the newly accredited Cuban Ambassador to Namibia, Sergio Vigoa de la Uz, calls for the lifting of the United States embargo on Cuba.

The Cuban diplomat commended Namibia for its unwavering support in calling for the lifting of the embargo.