Namibia’s Land Tribunal is set for an expanded role in resolving land disputes, with appeals arising from communal areas expected to fall under its jurisdiction once the proposed Land Bill becomes law.
Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Inge Zaamwani said the proposed change would broaden the tribunal’s responsibilities as concerns continue to be raised about fairness and transparency in commercial agricultural land allocation and the determination of land values.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the tribunal’s newly appointed members on Monday, Zaamwani emphasised the importance of having an independent institution where land-related disputes can be heard and decided in accordance with the law.
“These concerns highlight the importance of credible institutions through which disputes can be heard and resolved in accordance with the law,” she said.
The tribunal members are expected to play an important role in safeguarding the rights of people involved in land disputes by ensuring that appeals and applications are considered fairly, without favouritism or improper influence.
“Every person who appears before the Tribunal should be assured of fair hearing and impartial consideration,” Zaamwani said.
She stressed that the tribunal’s independence must be protected and that its decisions must be based solely on the law and the evidence presented before it.
The minister said the Land Bill, which is currently before Parliament for inputs, would extend the tribunal’s jurisdiction to include appeals arising from communal areas once enacted.
“As you may be aware, the Land Bill is currently before Parliament for inputs. Once it is passed into a law, the jurisdiction of your work will also include appeals emanating from communal areas,” she said.
Zaamwani urged the members to familiarise themselves with the Communal Land Reform Act of 2002 in preparation for the anticipated expansion.
She also called on the tribunal to improve the speed and efficiency of its proceedings, revealing that nine cases had already been filed and were awaiting determination.
She encouraged the members to prioritise the pending cases and, where circumstances permit, endeavour to conclude them within three months.
“Timely adjudication is essential,” she said, warning that prolonged uncertainty could impede land reform implementation, discourage investment and place additional burdens on those awaiting decisions.
The tribunal is an independent statutory body mandated to hear appeals, consider applications and adjudicate matters referred to under the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act and other applicable legislation.
Its decisions, orders and determinations may be executed as if they were decisions or orders of the High Court of Namibia.
The five newly appointed members are Ngakumbirue Katjivena as chairperson, Ileni Gebhardt as alternate chairperson, and Petrus Amakutuwa, Christopher Khaile and Inekela Soiny Kambindji as members.
The National Assembly approved their appointments on 9 September for a three-year term.
Zaamwani urged the members to perform their duties with integrity, fairness and accountability, cautioning against favouritism, tribalism, prejudice, and improper influence. She said their work should uphold the rule of law and strengthen public confidence in Namibia’s land administration.
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