Namibia's top judicial officer has called on magistrates nationwide to cancel their threatened job action scheduled to start on Wednesday as negotiations continue over unresolved compensation disputes.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute appealed to the Magistrates' and Judges' Association of Namibia announced plans to launch a partial strike if authorities fail to implement phase three housing and transportation benefit increases. Judiciary spokesperson Viktoria Hango said Shivute met with the Magistrates' Commission and other senior officials on Tuesday to address the brewing crisis. She emphasized that while officials recognize the complaints as legitimate, court officers must fulfill their professional obligations during talks. Hango stressed that all judicial officers should honor their professional commitments and continue serving citizens with integrity.
Members of the magistrates' association have cited crushing caseloads, insufficient benefits, personnel gaps, and unfilled positions that force repeated delays in court proceedings across the nation. Judicial administrators promised to pursue fair solutions through dialogue among relevant parties. The association has not yet called off the planned work stoppage, and further meetings between government representatives and magistrates will likely decide whether the action proceeds as announced.
Chief Justice Peter Shivute appealed to the Magistrates' and Judges' Association of Namibia announced plans to launch a partial strike if authorities fail to implement phase three housing and transportation benefit increases. Judiciary spokesperson Viktoria Hango said Shivute met with the Magistrates' Commission and other senior officials on Tuesday to address the brewing crisis. She emphasized that while officials recognize the complaints as legitimate, court officers must fulfill their professional obligations during talks. Hango stressed that all judicial officers should honor their professional commitments and continue serving citizens with integrity.
Members of the magistrates' association have cited crushing caseloads, insufficient benefits, personnel gaps, and unfilled positions that force repeated delays in court proceedings across the nation. Judicial administrators promised to pursue fair solutions through dialogue among relevant parties. The association has not yet called off the planned work stoppage, and further meetings between government representatives and magistrates will likely decide whether the action proceeds as announced.
