The Council of the LSN for the term December 2017 until November 2018 is:

Meyer van den Berg (Chairperson), Saima Nambinga (Vice-Chairperson), Ramon Maasdorp, Eldorette Harmse and for the first time elected for a two-year term: Stacey Bock, Vanessa Boesak, Gilroy Kasper and Appolos Shimakeleni.

FLTR: Stacey Bock, Vanessa Boesak, Ramon Maasdorp, Appolos Shimakeleni, Gilroy Kasper, Meyer van den Berg (Chairperson) & Saima Nambinga (Vice-Chairperson). Insert: Eldorette Harmse.

The 18th Anniversary of the Judge JP Karuaihe Trust and the 11th Annual JPK Trust Legal Excellence Awards took place on Friday, 1 December 2017, at Arebbusch Lodge.

For the fifth time, the JPK Trust Legal Excellence Awards ceremony took place on the same day and prior to the LSN AGM.

Since the awards are centered around legal practitioners and law students the LSN created an opportunity for its members to be present when future legal practitioners and their peers are awarded for their achievements.

The History

The Law Society’s involvement with the Judge JPK Trust started during 2006 when the trustees of the JPK Trust approached the LSN to assist them in identifying and selecting deserving winners for the ‘legal excellence awards’ thereby acknowledging the dedication, efforts and commitment of legal practitioners who are enhancing and protecting the Rule of Law in Namibia and honouring their social responsibilities.

Legal Excellence Awards

The LSN received the names of the best students from the Justice Training Centre and University of Namibia, respectively.

Many of the LSN members contribute to society but they do not always ‘advertise’ their good deeds.

The LSN thanks them for their contributions to society and trust that the good deeds will continue in future.

The LSN invited nominations from its members.

The Access to the Law and Social Responsibility Committee considered:

• Applications / nominations received;
• LSN members who appeared pro bono / acted amicus curiae;
• Members who presented training and who assisted the presenters with training;
• Members who assisted the LSN with the free legal advice days;

The Committee made recommendations to the Council with regard to the Excellence Awards for Social Responsibility and Human Rights.

Paa Ntinda (Director at Sisa Namandje Inc, former beneficiary and current Trustee of Judge JP Karuaihe Trust), made a short presentation on behalf of the JPK Trust.

In the past Dr. Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc., in their capacity as Sponsors, presented a cheque to the JP Karuaihe Trust. This did not take place on 1 December 2017, as the handing over took place two months ago.

Best Student Awards

Best JTC Student for 2016

Caitlin Quinn achieved a 65% average respectively in all 11 subjects.

Paa Ntinda, on behalf of the JPK Trust, presented Caitlin with the trophy.

Meyer van den Berg, on behalf of the LSN, presented her with a cheque in the amount of N$3,500.00.

Best LLB Final Year Student for 2016

Eino Kandali Nangolo achieved 76,5% average.

Paa Ntinda, on behalf of the JPK Trust, presented Phillip Balhao of UNAM with the trophy, which he accepted on behalf of Eino.

Meyer van den Berg, on behalf of the LSN, presented a cheque in the amount of N$2,500.00 to Phillip Balhao, who accepted it on behalf of Eino.

Legal Excellence Award for Social Responsibility

The winner is: Greyling & Associates.

Willem Greyling, on behalf of Greyling & Associates in Oshakati, received the award from Paa Ntinda.

Legal Excellence Award for Human Rights

The winner is: The Legal Assistance Centre.

Toni Hancox, on behalf of the Legal Assistance Centre, received the award from Paa Ntinda.

We thank the JPK Trust for joining hands with the LSN to honour the achievements.

The LSN congratulates the JPK Trust with its 18th Anniversary and wishes the JPK Trust much success with their future endeavours. The LSN trusts that their commitment to providing bursaries to deserving candidates to study law and honouring achievements will go from strength to strength and that the LSN and the JPK Trust will have a long and fruitful relationship.

• Umbi Karuaihe-Upi (Judge JP Karuaihe Trust - Trustee)
• Phillip Balhao (Law Faculty - UNAM) accepted the award on behalf of Eino Kandali Nangolo (Best 2016 LLB UNAM student)
• Mr. Ngamane Karuaihe-Upi (Judge JP Karuaihe Trust - Director)
• Willem Greyling accepted the award on behalf of Greyling & Associates
• Mr. Mbushandje Paa Ntinda (Former beneficiary & current Trustee of Judge JP Karuaihe Trust)
• Toni Hancox accepted the award on behalf of the Legal Assistance Centre (LAC)
• Meyer van den Berg (LSN Vice Chairperson)
• Ms. Vicky Ya Toivo (Judge JP Karuaihe Trust - Trustee)
• Ramon Maasdorp (LSN Chairperson)
• Caitlin Quinn (Winner of the Best 2016 JTC Student)

The Law Society of Namibia (LSN), as a self-regulating body created in terms of the Legal Practitioners’ Act (1995), which serves the Namibian public and legal profession by promoting justice, protecting the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Rule of Law, expresses its solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe and our courageous colleagues throughout the Zimbabwean legal profession in these turbulent times.

The LSN fully supports the position of the Law Society of Zimbabwe as published in the following statement:

“The Law Society of Zimbabwe has taken note of the current developments in the country. It particularly notes the assurances of peace and calm given by those behind the recent events. The Law Society of Zimbabwe also takes heart at the assurance that Constitutional order will be respected and restored. The Law Society of Zimbabwe is committed to justice and the rule of law. We are thus encouraged by the undertaking not to interfere with the independence of the judiciary. We hope that in everything to follow the constitution will be respected and due process will be observed for all actions to be taken. We further call for a quick return to Constitutional order.
We call upon fellow citizens to respect peace individual rights and in particular property rights and individual security.”

M Steinmann
Director:  LSN


 

The SADC Lawyers Association has learnt with cautious trepidation of the unfolding situation in the republic of Zimbabwe. SADC-LA joins the SADC community of nations in calling for continued calm and restraint that has so far largely characterized the events in that country. As the mother body of the legal profession in the SADC region, SADC-LA is called upon to remind all of the need to uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism in the bid to resolve the political dispute in Zimbabwe. The rule of law is the cornerstone of the separation of powers and the bedrock for democracy and development that ought not to be compromised. It is further noted that short of the constitutionally stipulated path to democracy, any efforts towards resolution risk a stillbirth on all counts. As close regional observation continues in relation to the ongoing situation, SADC-LA emphasizes the urgent need for the expeditious return to normalcy and preservation of fundamental rights and freedoms. To this end SADC-LA also calls upon all SADC member states to rally their support behind Zimbabwe in this time of uncertainty and as the nation strives to obtain a durable solution to the immediate political challenges.   About SADC-LA The Southern African Development Community Lawyers’ Association (SADC Lawyers Association/SADC-LA) is the representative body of law societies, bar dedicated associations and individual lawyers from the SADC region. SADC-LA is to the advancement and promotion of human rights, the rule of law, democracy and good governance in the SADC Region and beyond. Our mission is to promote and defend the rule of law without fear or favor.

The LSN commenced with a Change Project to affect, inter alia, changes to the profession’s governing instruments, i.e. the Legal Practitioners’ Act and Rules. This project strives to put the legal profession in a better position to protect, promote and grow the fundamentals of a free, just and progressive Namibian society. 

The research components of the project consist of desktop research, several surveys and town hall sessions. The desktop research and survey phases are nearly complete and town hall session(s) will follow soon.

The project now requires the assistance of the following professional consultants:

• Legal Drafter    
• Editor / Designer 

Further enquiries or Expressions of Interest can be addressed to the Project Manager:

Mr. Eben de Klerk
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Only suitably qualified applicants will be contacted. No documents will be kept or returned.

Closing Date: Friday, 13 October 2017

The Board of Control of the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund consists of the Chairperson of the Council of the Law Society of Namibia (LSN) and three legal practitioners appointed by Council of whom at least two shall be legal practitioners who are not members of the Council, and at least two are persons who have been engaged in private practice for a period of not less than five years.  The Council may further appoint an alternate member to act in the place of the chairperson during his /her absence or inability to act as a member of the board of control.  

The Council of the Law Society of Namibia appointed Mr Habo Gerdes, Ms Deidre Sauls-Deckenbrock and Mr Ulrich Etzold to serve on the Board of Control of the Legal Practitioners’ Fidelity Fund.  Mr Ramon Maasdorp (Chairperson of the Law Society of Namibia) is the ex-officio member.



Ramon Maasdorp, Deidre Sauls-Deckenbrock, Habo Gerdes (LPFF Chairperson) & Ulrich Etzold

The Free Legal Advice Day forms part of the Law Society's objectives to make legal services more accessible to those members of the public who cannot afford legal services.  The Office of the Ombudsman has been instrumental in the success of the FLAD since the project was launched in August 2014 by supporting this project and assisting the LSN with the venues and advertising in the region.

During 2014, two Free Legal Advice Days took place in Oshakati / Ongwediva and Keetmanshoop.

During 2015, four Free Legal Advice Days took place in Tsumeb, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

During 2016, only one Free Legal Advice Day took place in Windhoek, due to the LSN Directorate being short staffed.

The Law Society of Namibia, in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, is hosting various Free Legal Advice Days during 2017 were topics such as, Labour, Domestic Violence, Wills & Estates and Divorce and Maintenance are addressed.

• The 1st Free Legal Advice Day took place at the Persianer Hall in Mariental on Friday, 9 June 2017.  41 Members of the community received free legal advice.
• The 2nd Free Legal Advice Day took place at the Office of the Ombudsman in Ongwediva on Friday, 7 July 2017.  165 Members of the community received free legal advice.
• The 3rd Free Legal Advice Day took place at the UN Plaza in Katutura on Friday, 5 August 2017.  107 Members of the community received free legal advice.
• The 4th Free Legal Advice Day took place at the Tamariskia Town Hall on Friday, 18 August 2017.  65 Members of the community received free legal advice.

The Office of the Master of the High Court also participated in the Free Legal Advice Day held on 4 August 2017 in Windhoek and on 18 August 2017 in Swakopmund.



Elsie Beukes (Master of the High Court), Adelheid Bobby Kandjara (Special Advisor to the Erongo Region Governor, Hon. Cleophas Mutjavikua), Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi (Councillor:  Law Society of Namibia &  Ueitele & Hans Inc) and Her Worship Mrs. Pauline Ndahafa Nashilundo (Mayor of Swakopmund).



The officials, legal practitioners / members of the Law Society of Namibia and staff of the Office of the Ombudsman who were present at the start of the Free Legal Advice Day:

Seated:

Elsie Beukes (Master of the High Court), Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi (Councillor: Law Society of Namibia & Ueitele & Hans Inc) and Her Worship Mrs. Pauline Ndahafa Nashilundo (Mayor of Swakopmund), Adelheid Bobby Kandjara (Special Advisor to the Erongo Region Governor, Hon. Cleophas Mutjavikua).
 
Standing (not all the names were confirmed / provided):
Jo-mari Koekemoer (Manager Professional Affairs), Supt. Tjivangurura, Druffila Kavari, Timothy Shangadi (Deputy Director Investigations:  Office of the Ombudsman), Sara Shiloh, Emmy Amwaala, Thomas Wylie (Kinghorn Associates), Joyce Uises, Meyer van den Berg (Vice Chairperson:  Law Society of Namibia), Vincia Cloete (Co-opted Councillor: Law Society of Namibia), Marinus Scholtz (Koep & Partners), Elmo Ochs (Namport), Paulus Nambala, Hermien Apollus, Garoy September (Malherbe Associates Inc.), Olivia Mutjivikua, Hendrik Mauyoma (Legal practitioner and Chief Legal: Office of the Ombudsman), S/Supt E Axakhoed.

The dates for further Free Legal Advice Days are:

• Mid-North Circle – Tsumeb – 22 September 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
• East Circle – Gobabis – 13 October 2017 (venue to be confirmed)

The Council and Directorate of the Law Society of Namibia sincerely thank all involved for their participation and support in making this project a success.

The Free Legal Advice Day forms part of the Law Society's objectives to make legal services more accessible to those members of the public who cannot afford legal services.  The Office of the Ombudsman has been instrumental in the success of the FLAD since the project was launched in August 2014 by supporting this project and assisting the LSN with the venues and advertising in the region.

During 2014, two Free Legal Advice Days took place in Oshakati/Ongwediva and Keetmanshoop.

During 2015, four Free Legal Advice Days took place in Tsumeb, Windhoek, Swakopmund and Gobabis.

During 2016, only one Free Legal Advice Day took place in Windhoek, due to the LSN Directorate being short staffed.

The Law Society of Namibia, in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, is hosting various Free Legal Advice Days during 2017:

• The 1st Free Legal Advice Day was held at the Persianer Hall in Mariental on Friday, 9 June 2017.  41 Members of the community received free legal advice.  
• The 2nd Free Legal Advice Day was held at the Office of the Ombudsman in Ongwediva on Friday, 7 July 2017.  165 Members of the community received free legal advice.   
• The 3rd Free Legal Advice Day took place at the UN Plaza in Katutura on Friday, 4 August 2017.  107 Members of the community received free legal advice on topics such as:
  • Labour
  • Domestic Violence
  • Wills & Estates
  • Divorce and Maintenance.

The Office of the Master of the High Court also participated in the Free Legal Advice Day held on 4 August 2017.

At the opening ceremony of the Free Legal Advice Day remarks were made by Ms. Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi (Councillor: Law Society of Namibia), Mr. John Walters (Ombudsman), Mr. Ananias Niizimba (Councillor on behalf of his worship the Mayor of the City of Windhoek, Mr. Muesee Kazupua), Ms. Elsie Beukes, (Master of the High Court) and Ms. Rachel Jacob (Chairperson of the Khomas Regional Council Management Committee and John Pandeni Constituency).



Front: Rachel Jacob (Chairperson of the Khomas Regional Council Management Committee and John Pandeni Constituency), Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi (Councillor: Law Society of Namibia), Elsie Beukes (Master of the High Court).
Back:  John Walters (Ombudsman), Ananias Niizimba (Councillor - City of Windhoek).



The legal practitioners / members of the Law Society of Namibia and staff of the Office of the Ombudsman who were present at the start of the Free Legal Advice Day:

Back: Bertha Simunji (Senior Investigator - Office of the Ombudsman), Erastus Arnold  (Investigator - Office of the Ombudsman), Nawala Kamati, Ian Petherbridge, Martha Angula-Ruider (Candidate Legal Practitioners), Uundjii Kaihiva, Cobus Visser, Shaun Ellis, Zureuka Majiedt, Laura-Lee Beets, Hendrik Mauyoma (Legal practitioner and Chief Legal: Office of the Ombudsman), Faustinia Nashama, Rauna Ndilula, Jamie Theron, Timothy Shangadi (Deputy Director Investigations: Office of the Ombudsman).

Front:  Sumari Rush, Chastin Bassingthwaighte, Karin Klazen, Retha Steinmann (Director: Law Society of Namibia), Jo-mari Koekemoer (Manager Professional Affairs: Law Society of Namibia), Mignon Klein.

The dates for further Free Legal Advice Days are:

• West Circle – Swakopmund – 18 August 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
• Mid-North Circle – Tsumeb – 22 September 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
• East Circle – Gobabis – 13 October 2017 (venue to be confirmed)

The Council and Directorate of the Law Society of Namibia sincerely thank all involved for their participation and support in making this project a success.

The Law Society of Namibia, in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, hosted the 1st Free Legal Advice Day for 2017 at the Persianer Hall in Mariental on Friday, 9 June 2017.

The Free Legal Advice Day forms part of the Law Society's objectives to make legal services more accessible to those members of the public who cannot afford legal services.  

41 Members of the community attended and received free legal advice on topics such as labour, domestic violence, wills & estates, divorce and maintenance.

The Free Legal Advice Day co-incided with the South Circle meeting, held with members of the Law Society of Namibia in the region, on the same day.

The Governor of the Hardap Region, Hon. Esme Sophia Isaacks and the Mayor of Mariental, Hon. Wilhelm Mensah, were instrumental in arranging the venue and distributing the invitation to the community.  We sincerely thank them for their presence and support.  

The speech, made by the Hon. Isaacks is attached hereto.


The dates for further Free Legal Advice Days are:

Far North Circle:  7 July 2017 – Office of the Ombudsman (Valombola, Extension, 10, Erf 4309)
Windhoek:  4 August 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
West Circle – Swakopmund – 18 August 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
Mid-North Circle – Tsumeb – 22 September 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
East Circle – Gobabis – 13 October 2017 (venue to be confirmed)

The Council and Directorate of the Law Society of Namibia sincerely thank all involved for their participation and support in making this project a success.



Retha Steinmann (Director: Law Society of Namibia), Hendrik Mauyoma (Chief Legal: Office of the Ombudsman), Eileen Rakow (Chief: Office of the Ombudsman), Hon. Esme Isaacks (Governor:  Hardap Region), Alpheus Haufiku (Chief Investigator:  Office of the Ombudsman), Hon. Wilhelm Mensah (Mayor: Mariental), Councillor Jan Jarson (Aranos Constituency), Timothy Shangadi (Deputy Director Investigations: Office of the Ombudsman), Commissioner Amutse (Namibian Correctional Services:  Ministry of Safety and Security).





Legal practitioners and staff from both the offices of the Law Society of Namibia Ombudsman serving at the 1st Free Legal Advice Day for 2017:

Front:  Retha Steinmann (Director:  Law Society of Namibia), Vilinchia van Wyk (VT van Wyk Attorneys - Rehoboth), Ivy Pretorius (Office Administrator:  Law Society of Namibia), Josefina Nekongo (National Fishing Corporation of Namibia - Luderitz), Jozanne Klazen (Ministry of Justice:  Legal Aid - Rehoboth), Astrid Feris (Sisa Namandje & Co Inc. - Windhoek).

Back:  Hendrik Mauyoma (Chief Legal: Office of the Ombudsman), Fabiola Haradoes (Administrative Officer: Office of the Ombudsman), Christopher Stanley (Stanley Law Chambers - Rehoboth), Meyer van den Bergh (Councillor: Law Society of Namibia & Koep & Partners - Windhoek), Wilhelm Liebenberg (Van Heerden, Liebenberg & Co - Mariental), Alpheus Haufiku (Chief Investigator: Office of the Ombudsman), Eileen Rakow (Chief: Office of the Ombudsman), Timothy Shangadi (Deputy Director Investigations: Office of the Ombudsman), Jo-mari Koekemoer (Manager Professional Affairs:  Law Society of Namibia).

During 2017 the Law Society of Namibia, in collaboration with the Office of the Ombudsman, will be hosting various Free Legal Advice Days.  

The Free Legal Advice Day forms part of the Law Society's objectives to make legal services more accessible to those members of the public who cannot afford legal services.  

The 1st FLAD was held at the Persianer Hall in Mariental on Friday, 9 June 2017 where 41 members of the community received free legal advice.

The 2nd Free Legal Advice Day for 2017 was held at the Office of the Ombudsman in Ongwediva on Friday, 7 July 2017.  165 Members of the community received free legal advice on topics such as labour, domestic violence, wills & estates, divorce and maintenance.  Due to the large number of persons in need of legal advice, the hours of the FLAD were extended. In order to help as many people possible group lectures, with the opportunity to ask questions, were provided for persons with similar legal issues.  The Office of the Ombudsman will also continue to assist with some of the matters in the coming days.  

At the opening of the Free Legal Advice Day in Ongwediva remarks were made by Ms. Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi (Councillor: Law Society of Namibia), Hon. Clemens Kashuupulwa (Governor: Oshana Region), Hon. Jason Asino (Deputy Mayor: Ongwediva Town who represented Hon. Angelina Angula, the Mayor of Ongwediva Town) and Ms. Eileen Rakow (Chief:  Office of the Ombudsman).  
The Hon. Iiyambo (Mayor of Oshakati) was also in attendance.



Front:  Saima Nambinga (Councillor: Law Society of Namibia), Hon. Iiyambo (Mayor: Oshakati), Hon. Kashuupulwa (Governor: Oshana Region), Hon. Asino (Deputy Mayor: Ongwediva Town), Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi (Councillor: Law Society of Namibia).

Back:  Retha Steinmann (Director: Law Society of Namibia), Hendrik Mauyamo (Chief Legal: Office of the Ombudsman), Theodore Tsamaseb (Candidate Legal Practitioner: Aingura Attorneys), Simson Aingura (Aingura Attorneys), Timothy Shangadi (Deputy Director Investigations: Office of the Ombudsman), Eileen Rakow (Chief: Office of the Ombudsman) Mr. Kanime (Interpreter for speeches), Ileni Indongo (Office of the Ombudsman), Gaby Ferreira (Assistant to the Director: Law Society of Namibia - Insert), Jo-mari Koekemoer (Manager Professional Affairs: Law Society of Namibia).


Gaby Ferreira

The dates for further Free Legal Advice Days are:

Windhoek:  4 August 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
West Circle – Swakopmund – 18 August 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
Mid-North Circle – Tsumeb – 22 September 2017 (venue to be confirmed)
East Circle – Gobabis – 13 October 2017 (venue to be confirmed)

The Council and Directorate of the Law Society of Namibia sincerely thank all involved for their participation and support in making this project a success.

FAR NORTH CIRCLE MEETING

The Free Legal Advice Day again co-incided with the Far North Circle meeting, held with members of the Law Society of Namibia in the region, on the same day.



Legal practitioners who assisted at the 2nd Free Legal Advice Day for 2017 and/or attended the Circle Meeting:

Front:  Saima Nambinga (Councillor: LSN & Angula Co. Inc.), Simson Aingura (Aingura Attorneys), Veronika Hanongo-Haikali (Dr. Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc.), Retha Steinmann (Director: LSN), Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi (Councillor:  LSN & Ueitele & Hans Inc).

Back:  Jo-mari Koekemoer (Manager Professional Affairs:LSN), Charmaine Tjihero (Dr. Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc.), Etegamero Indongo-Antindi (Nored Electricity (Pty) Ltd), Grace Mugaviri (Mugaviri Attorneys), Japhet Gottlieb (Candidate Legal Practitioner: Mugaviri Attorneys), Melvin Nyambe (Shikongo Law Chambers), Mekumbu Tjiteere (Dr Weder, Kauta & Hoveka Inc.), Theodore Tsamaseb (Candidate Legal Practitioner: Ainguira Attorneys).

Absent:  Jan Greyling Jnr. (Greyling & Associates) and Tulonga-Ria Shapumba (Oshakati High Court).