President Hage Geingob is pleased to note that the High Court Amendment Bill and the Magistrates Court Amendment Bill are some of the bills that may be tabled in parliament during the course of 2023.
The President, when he recently opened the 7th Session of the 7th Parliament, told lawmakers and leaders of the legal system that “there is a pertinent need for you to enact laws that are effective at buttressing the safety and security of our citizens, protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, enabling the growth of industry, as well as promoting investment and economic trade.”
Furthermore, the head of state said, “our laws should instill the confidence in our people, investors and visitors that Namibia is a country where the rights and human dignity of all is respected and protected.”
The High Court Amendment Bill is intended to impose judicial oversight on the sale in execution of immovable property of debtors by creditors to ensure that the rights of both parties are adequately protected throughout the process.
“The Bill further provides the Judge-President with power to make procedural rules for the cessation of rights to institute proceedings, adjudicate commercial disputes and administrative matters relating to the appointment and related terms,” President Geingob said.
Similar to the High Court Amendment Bill, the Magistrates Court Amendment Bill is intended to impose judicial oversight on the sale in execution of immovable property of debtors by creditors to ensure that the rights of both parties are adequately protected throughout the process.
The aim is to protect the rights of debtors in the sale of primary homes in execution by judgment creditors, thereby enhancing the protection of the right to human dignity and the right to housing.
“Honourable Speaker, the two bills I have just highlighted speak to a troubling situation we have been witnessing in the country regarding the repossession of houses. The process of home foreclosures can be a humiliating and traumatic experience, especially for the most vulnerable members of society.
“I am therefore pleased to note that we are moving towards ensuring that the dignity of our citizens is protected and that there will be judicial oversight on the sale in execution of immovable properties.”
The President further stated that “we have promised to deliver Unity, Liberty and Justice to the people of Namibia. Our laws play a crucial factor in ensuring that we are able to protect the rights of our citizens, ensuring inclusivity in all aspects of our modern society, as well as promoting shared prosperity for all Namibians.
“The path to prosperity consists of hard work. It is a struggle. It comes with successes and setbacks. It requires persistence. But it is a path we must walk hand in hand. A journey we must travel in unison.
“A mission we must carry out shoulder to-shoulder. The people have entrusted us with this responsibility and I call on all of us to work together to uphold the promise to deliver a better life for all Namibians.”
In the photo: Namibian President Hage Geingob
