‘We just want to be married’
Tears and frustration as strike halts weddings
Three couples and their families were left heartbroken at the Oshakati Magistrate’s Court on Friday when their scheduled weddings were called off due to the nationwide magistrates’ strike.
Five couples were booked to get married that day. However, only two were reportedly assisted. The remaining three refused to leave, pleading with officials to help them formalise their unions.
Among the devastated couples, one groom broke down in tears after hearing that their ceremony would not proceed.
The bride, who tried to console him, explained that he had travelled from Zimbabwe for their wedding, spending N$4 000 on transport.
“He recently lost his job, and this news has really finished him,” she said. “His visa will expire soon. We have already served notice to move from our rented room because we planned to relocate after the wedding. We don’t have money to extend our stay. We are begging, can they please help us?”
Another bride said they had come to the court on Thursday and were instructed to return on Friday morning. “When we arrived, they just told us they cannot help us anymore and that they will call when ready,” she said.
“I took two days’ leave from work for this wedding. I don’t have any more leave days. I might lose my job. This is very painful.”
Lydia Ndjadjako, 68, from Oikalahenye-Ohaingu in the Ohangwena Region, accompanied her daughter to the courthouse and said the cancellation had left her deeply hurt. “We even slaughtered an ox at home to celebrate. Now what must happen?” she asked. “They really need to help us. We have invested so much into this day.”
The magistrates’ strike – sparked by disputes over unpaid allowances and benefits – has brought court operations nationwide to a standstill, with many families now caught in the crossfire as delays continue with no resolution in sight.
Network Media Hub (NMH) observed that the magistrates were on a go-slow from the morning. They started attending to some cases just after 14:00. The regional court is operating as usual.
Five couples were booked to get married that day. However, only two were reportedly assisted. The remaining three refused to leave, pleading with officials to help them formalise their unions.
Among the devastated couples, one groom broke down in tears after hearing that their ceremony would not proceed.
The bride, who tried to console him, explained that he had travelled from Zimbabwe for their wedding, spending N$4 000 on transport.
“He recently lost his job, and this news has really finished him,” she said. “His visa will expire soon. We have already served notice to move from our rented room because we planned to relocate after the wedding. We don’t have money to extend our stay. We are begging, can they please help us?”
Another bride said they had come to the court on Thursday and were instructed to return on Friday morning. “When we arrived, they just told us they cannot help us anymore and that they will call when ready,” she said.
“I took two days’ leave from work for this wedding. I don’t have any more leave days. I might lose my job. This is very painful.”
Lydia Ndjadjako, 68, from Oikalahenye-Ohaingu in the Ohangwena Region, accompanied her daughter to the courthouse and said the cancellation had left her deeply hurt. “We even slaughtered an ox at home to celebrate. Now what must happen?” she asked. “They really need to help us. We have invested so much into this day.”
The magistrates’ strike – sparked by disputes over unpaid allowances and benefits – has brought court operations nationwide to a standstill, with many families now caught in the crossfire as delays continue with no resolution in sight.
Network Media Hub (NMH) observed that the magistrates were on a go-slow from the morning. They started attending to some cases just after 14:00. The regional court is operating as usual.
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Namibian Sun
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