Iuze Mukube
The justice ministry last Friday bade farewell to minister Yvonne Dausab, whose term in office ends this week.
The event was attended by staff, management and members of the public.
Reflecting on her tenure on the sidelines of the event, Dausab expressed mixed feelings regarding her term ending.
She noted that such an ending serves as a reflection of the work accomplished and journey undertaken.
“I am emotional about today, especially because the staff of the Ministry of Justice is celebrating the end of my term with me,” she said.
Dausab expressed that the celebration is not a reflection of where she will be beyond the coming days, but an indication of the appreciation of the role she has played during her term.
“Truly, the sky is no longer the limit, regardless of where we find ourselves. I am hopeful about returning to the ministry or to governance in the country because I believe I still have a role to play and a contribution to make,” she stated.
She added that she has always been a believer, with a mantra that “we must use the law to enhance social justice”.
“Law must be used as a tool to transform the societies of which we are part,” Dausab said.
She pointed to the legislation of the High Court and the Magistrate’s Court that addressed concerns about repossession of people’s homes as some of her highlights.
These include “the improvements and safeguards that were introduced during this term, with issues pertaining to divorce, although some view it negatively. But that legislation is revolutionary,” the lawyer said.
She added that the ministry aims to pass other legislation to address concerns about the high cost of legal fees, ensuring better access to justice for all.
She highlighted the improvements made in the legal aid space in terms of law reform, as well as changes to regulations to increase the eligibility threshold.
She said they have plans related to the “administration of deceased estates, supervision and oversight of estate practitioners, but also just generally issues pertaining to insolvencies and the possibility of introducing aspects of business rescue in a stand-alone piece of legislation”.
They are all intended as part of a broader goal over the past five years to improve the conditions of the people through law reform, she stated.
Dausab noted that law reforms introduced through various ministries, offices and agencies as well as changes made by the Law Reform and Development Commission are intended to bring relief to the challenges faced by the people of Namibia.
“I won’t speculate on whether or not a new minister will be appointed, but what I can say is that we are all part of a government system. We are individuals serving as instruments to implement that system. Whether I return to the portfolio or a new minister takes over, the system will remain in place,” she stated.
Dausab believes these laws are designed to ensure that key ministries, particularly those directly engaging with the public, should be handed over smoothly to the next person in charge.
She pointed out that all ministers were asked to prepare handover reports, which will serve as a useful guide.
As such, whether she returns or moves to a different role, the document will be used as a compass for anyone taking over, allowing them to get started effectively.
The same applies to other ministers.
As a message, she expressed that the public should be excited about the historic moment of having the country’s first female president.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will take office on 21 March 2025, which Dausab said is a moment for celebration.
“I know there is a lot of expectations about her administration and the focus on service delivery,” she said.
Dausab believes that service delivery has always been part of the government’s programme, and that there will be an accelerated pace, particularly in areas that will help improve the lives of the people.