Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Despite the backlash by opposition parties in appointing Zimbabwean Judge Rita Makarau as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court of Namibia, Makarau was sworn into her position yesterday.
Makarau was sworn in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute and will serve from April 2023 to March 2024.
Shortly after the announcement of Makarau’s appointment in March, opposition parties such as the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), and the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) questioned the appointment.
She was appointed alongside Judge Hannelie Prinsloo and Judge Esi Schimming-Chase to serve as Acting Judges of the court by President Hage Geingob on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
At the swearing-in ceremony, Shivute said the lack of female representation on the Supreme Court bench encouraged the appointment.
“As I stated on another occasion, it is imperative for the Namibian Judiciary for our courts to reflect the demographic diversity of our Nation. In realising this goal, concrete steps have been taken to increase female representation on the Supreme Court Bench. It was just three weeks ago that we proudly welcomed Prinsloo and Schimming-Chase to serve as Acting Judges of the Supreme Court. Today, we add to this number, the swearing-in of Makarau,” Shivute said.
Last month the judiciary also defended her appointment, saying Makarau’s appointment was based on the Commission’s recommendation and her prior judicial experience in the position, having worked as a Judge President and a Judge in the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe.
In addition, Shivute said this was not the first time that the Judiciary has sourced expertise from outside the country to help it execute its mandate.
“Our experience has shown that the service of judicial officers from our neighbouring countries and beyond has greatly enriched our jurisprudence and enhanced the work of our courts. I do not doubt that the results of Makarau’s service on the bench will be any different. Her extensive judicial experience will certainly be of great benefit to our Supreme Court,” Shivute stated.
Zimbabwean Ambassador to Namibia, Melody Chaurura said the appointment of Judge Makurua is a clear confirmation of the good relationship that exists between Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“Let me start by saying it was a real honour for me to have witnessed this historical event and this is a clear confirmation of the good relationship that is the existence between Zimbabwe and Namibia. This is a corporation that dates back to the days of the struggle for independence when comrades from both sides shared trenches for us to enjoy the freedom and liberation that we enjoy today. This is a happy moment for both countries because it shows what we can do when we decide to join hands,” she said.
“Her appointment indicates that women have equal potential and capabilities as men. I am very happy with the trajectory Namibia is taking. It is also embracing the contributions that women can make to the development of the country,” she concluded.
