Renthia Kaimbi
Minister of justice and labour relations Fillemon Wise Immanuel says he has not yet seen the letter of demand from Namibia’s magistrates threatening to strike over unpaid benefits.
The magistrates, represented by Metcalfe Beukes Attorneys, have issued a final ultimatum to the ministry, demanding that it stop plans to gazette what they describe as an incorrect benefits schedule.
“I have not seen it yet because I’m travelling, but I will follow up and get back to you,” Immanuel told the Windhoek Observer.
They are calling for the implementation of a fair proposal approved by the judiciary executive director Benhardt Kukuri August 2025 and for a written commitment to establish magistrate-specific policies.
Kukuri confirmed receipt of the letter and expressed hope for a quick resolution.
“We have received the letter of demand, and I hope we can sit around the table and resolve this matter as soon as possible,” he said.
The dispute stems from a two-year standoff over housing and vehicle allowances. Magistrates say that, despite formal approval in October 2023 to align their benefits with equivalent government grades, the Ministry of Justice has failed to implement the changes.
The magistrates accuse the ministry of mishandling the process and preparing to gazette a flawed benefits schedule that downgrades the grades of the chief magistrate and other senior officials.
They assert that this would result in them receiving lower allowances than their government counterparts, despite the allocation of N$8 million for the improvements.
In response, the magistrates have announced plans for a partial work stoppage starting Wednesday, 5 November 2025.
The action will suspend all civil trials and opposed motions in the Magistrate Courts, as well as criminal trials and bail applications in both the Magistrate and Regional Courts.
Magistrates say this action follows years of unfulfilled promises and government inaction.
They have, however, expressed willingness to attend urgent talks before the Tuesday deadline to avoid a nationwide disruption.
