Namibia’s High Court Embraces Transparency in Judicial Appointments

Windhoek, 28 November 2023 – In a pioneering move toward openness and accountability, the Judicial Service Commission (the Commission) has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to the selection process for judicial appointments to the High Court of Namibia. The decision, reached during the Commission’s meeting on 15 September 2023, saw amendments to the Judicial Service Commission Regulations 2011 in accordance with Article 85(3) of the Namibian Constitution. The revised regulations, effective as of 24 November 2023, now mandate that interviews of nominated candidates for judicial office must be conducted in public.

Promptly following this decision, the Commission notified designated organizations of current vacancies at the High Court of Namibia, adhering to regulation 3(3) of the Regulations. These organizations were then invited to nominate candidates for potential appointment to the position of Judge of the High Court.

The Commission, in its session on 17 November 2023, diligently compiled a shortlist of candidates who will proceed to the assessment stage of the selection process. The distinguished individuals on the shortlist include Lady Justice Philanda Christiaan (Acting), Adv. Slysken Makando, and Adv. Beatrix de Jager.

All communication concerning this process should be directed to the Executive Director.

The upcoming phase involves public interviews for the shortlisted candidates, scheduled for Friday, 8 December 2023, starting at 09:00 in Courtroom B of the Supreme Court. The Commission extends an open invitation to the public to observe these interviews, provided they adhere to specific guidelines:

1. Timeliness: Attendees must be seated in Courtroom B by no later than 08:45. Late arrivals will not be permitted entry.

2. No Photography or Recording: Strict prohibition on photography and recording during the interview process.

3. Maintaining Silence: Attendees are required to maintain silence throughout the interviews. Mobile phones must be switched off or set to silent mode.

4. Observer Role: Attendee participation is limited to the observation of proceedings. Members of the public will not be permitted to ask questions or engage in the interview process.

Non-compliance with these conditions may necessitate removal from the venue. To broaden accessibility, the interviews will also be available to the public via a live stream on the official website of the Office of the Judiciary. Those interested are encouraged to follow the proceedings online by visiting: https://www.judiciary.na/pages/livestream/

This significant development not only underscores the Commission’s commitment to transparency but also provides the Namibian public with a unique opportunity to witness the inner workings of the judicial selection process.