Niël Terblanché
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of Namibia announced the appointment of several acting judges to the Supreme Court and High Court, ensuring the courts continue to manage their caseloads efficiently.
According to Elias Shikongo, the secretary of the Judicial Service Commission, these appointments, made by President Nangolo Mbumba upon the recommendation of the JSC, came into effect on 1 January and will continue until the end of 2025.
Among the distinguished legal minds appointed to the Supreme Court in an acting capacity are Justice Shafimana Ueitele, who will serve from January to December.
He is joined by Justices Dave Smuts, Theo Frank, Rita Makarau, Johanna Prinsloo, and Esi Schimming-Chase, all of whom will serve during the same period.
According to Shikongo, the appointments reflect the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining an efficient legal system.
“To ensure that the Supreme Court and High Court can efficiently manage their caseloads, acting or ad hoc judges are periodically appointed,” he said.
Shikongo added that the addition of these acting judges provides the courts with the flexibility and expertise required to handle a diverse range of cases.
Each appointee brings a substantial wealth of legal experience and judicial acumen, ensuring the judiciary remains steadfast in delivering justice.
In addition to the Supreme Court appointments, Anne-Doris Hans-Kaumbi has been appointed as an acting judge of the High Court for a four-month term, from 1 January to 30 April.
Shikongo said that this will be her second tenure on the High Court Bench, having previously served in an acting capacity from June to August 2022.
The JSC extended its congratulations to all the appointees, expressing confidence in their ability to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for all Namibians.
“We wish them well in the execution of their onerous tasks,” he said.
The Office of the Judiciary, established under the Judiciary Act of 2015, functions as an independent administrative and financial body, separate from the Ministry of Justice.
It oversees the operation of Namibia’s Supreme Court, High Court, and Lower Courts.
According to Shikongo, the most recent appointments are part of ongoing efforts to ensure the judiciary remains responsive and capable of meeting the demands of an ever-evolving legal landscape.
