Namibian Sun

Address Namibia's high legal costs – Pohamba President Hifikepunye Pohamba has urged the Judiciary and members of the legal fraternity to help address the problem of high legal costs. “There is a public outcry about the high legal costs in the country. This constitutes a significant barrier for many Namibians who want access to justice. I, therefore, welcome the initiatives made by the Judiciary to encourage alternative dispute resolution in the form of mediation. More should be done to expand mediation as a form of dispute resolution,” Pohamba told judges, magistrates, lawyers and officials of the Ministry of Justice at the official launch of the 2015 Legal Year last week. The President also appealed to the relevant institutions to fast-track legislation aimed at introducing small-claims courts. Cambridge backs education system Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), an institution providing international qualifications in more than 160 countries, has congratulated the Ministry of Education for the improvements achieved in the 2014 national examination results. The message was delivered by the Director of National Examinations and Assessments, Cavin Nyambe, during a prize-giving ceremony held by the ministry last week to honour the best-performing schools and learners. The CIE said it was particularly satisfied to see better results in technical subjects such as Computer Studies and Design & Technology, as these subjects are of great value to the development of the Namibian economy. “People across the world are better connected than ever before, and the exchange of knowledge, ideas and skills knows no bounds,” the message read. CIE said it supports Namibia’s education ministry in its mission to provide equitable access to quality education. Still two CEOs at Berseba The Berseba Village Council continues to operate with two chief executive officers. Thomas Dreyer, the CEO for the last 15 years, says he will report for duty every workday until issues around the termination of his contract are resolved. Dreyer has taken legal action to seek reinstatement at the council. He claims his employment contract, which ended in December last year, was terminated unlawfully. Despite not having received a salary in January, Dreyer remains in office. “I go to work as usual and I do my work. My case is pending and until it is finalised, I will stay in my position,” he told Nampa on Saturday. Approached for comment, acting CEO Ndeuhala Hangala said there was only one CEO and that it was business as usual at the council. Reports by Nampa