Lahja Nashuuta 

The executive director in the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, Audrin Mathe, urged legal practitioners to champion Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as the country struggles with rising litigation costs and delays in the delivery of justice. 

He emphasised that ADR must become a mainstream feature of Namibia’s justice system, particularly in labour relations, where delayed justice remains a major concern. 

“We are currently facing a backlog of over 475 unresolved labour arbitration cases. This is not just a number, it represents 475 instances of delayed justice for workers and employers alike,” he lamented. 

Speaking at the Law Society of Namibia (LSN) Gala Dinner on Friday, Mathe called on the legal fraternity to work together to resolve these inefficiencies, noting that justice “is crying out for a faster route.” 

“Justice should not be stuck in a traffic jam of motions, counter-motions, and postponements. Let us be the ones to build it an express lane,” he said. 

He further questioned whether every dispute must escalate into lengthy court battles. “Must every disagreement really end in a full-scale legal battle that costs a fortune and takes years to resolve? Surely, we are not so committed to conflict that we would rather win a five-year war than agree on a one-day peace treaty?” Mathe asked. 

Legal Aid challenges 

Mathe acknowledged the ongoing challenge of limited financial resources amid increasing demand for legal assistance. 

“We are profoundly aware of the vital role legal aid plays, but requests for assistance always outpace the resources available. While my administrator’s heart would love to approve every request, my administrator’s budget often has other ideas. This is a difficult balancing act that highlights our shared responsibility,” he said. 

Mathe appealed to the LSN to continue supporting the government in running a cost-effective and efficient legal aid scheme, emphasising that collaboration is essential to ensuring access to justice for all. 

“One of the objectives of the Law Society, under the Legal Practitioners Act, is to assist in the effective implementation of legal aid. We therefore implore the LSN to work with us in strengthening this system,” he noted. 

He also praised legal practitioners for their dedication and service, calling their work both a profession and a calling. 

“Your work demands not only intellectual rigour but also profound empathy and an unwavering ethical compass. You are not just officers of the court, but custodians of the public’s trust in justice. You are the guardians of our Constitution, defenders of rights, and indispensable partners in nation-building,” he said. 

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair, just, and equitable legal system for all Namibians. 

“No one is above the law, and no one is below it. The law must, as it should, apply equally to all of us,” Mathe said. 

-lnashuuta@nepc.com.na