Hon. Yvonne Dausab, Minister of Justice launched the ministry’s Customer Service Charter (CSC). The CSC is a document that outlines the Ministry's commitment to provide high-quality services to its clients and the Namibian public at large. The Charter emphasizes the Ministry's dedication to treating its customers with respect and providing them with timely, efficient, and effective services.
In an effort to make sure that this important document is accessible to all diverse clients, the CSC have been translated and printed in 8 local languages and as well as in braille format. The creation of a Customer Service Charter, is government commitment in improving the service delivery offered by public institutions to its clients. The Charter outlines the standards of service the Ministry’s clients should expect when interacting with the Ministry of Justice. In line with the Namibia's Public Service vision which is to delight customers through provision of quality delivery of public services. In her keynote address at the launch, the Minister emphasised the duty and obligation the staff have, in offering outstanding service to the public “the goal is to deliver 'quality legal services and justice for all' to the nation and its citizenry.

A new mindset and way of doing business is essential for the Ministry to live up to its promises set out in the Charter. I am confident, the capable staff complement of the Ministry will be able to achieve. I have observed with satisfaction, and still want more, of the efforts the Ministry is making in trying to enhance its image of commitment to excellence. This is a trend I hope to see continuing.” Hon. Minister echoed.
The launch was attended by Hon. Christine //Hoebes, Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Laura McLeod-Katjirua, Governor of Khomas Region, His Worship. J Uapingene, Mayor of Windhoek and other key stakeholders in the justice sectors such as Office of the Prime Minister, Office of the Judiciary, Namibian Police Force, Law Society of Namibia, among others.

In a gathering of distinguished experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), coupled with representatives from Namibia's telecommunications sector, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology, a pivotal workshop on cybercrime convened from October 11th to 13th, 2023 in Windhoek. Mrs. Gladice Pickering, the Executive Director of the Ministry of Justice, addressed the assembly, underlining the transformative significance of this event. She emphasized that the workshop was not just a forum for discussion but an opportunity to collaboratively shape the nation's future in the era of digital transformation.

Namibia, like many nations, grapples with the challenges of cybercrime, a borderless issue that affects countries regardless of their size or resources. In a world of increasing digital interconnection, the risks and stakes are notably high for nations with limited capacities and resources for combating cybercrime, making such workshops crucial for developing a robust response. The Namibian Cybercrime Workshop focused on five key objectives. Firstly, it aimed to enhance participants' capacity by providing them with globally relevant knowledge and tools tailored to address Namibia's specific challenges and aspirations. Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology (MICT), the second objective was to develop forward-thinking and resilient cybercrime legislation to safeguard citizens from both current threats and those that may emerge in the future.

Moreover, the workshop reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to fortifying its cybersecurity defences, recognizing the critical role of a secure cyber infrastructure in the nation's economic growth. Enhanced collaboration across various sectors was another key goal, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to addressing cyber threats. Lastly, the workshop aimed to position Namibia as a prominent voice on the global stage in the development of an international convention on cybercrime, ensuring the nation's unique perspectives and concerns were effectively represented.

With the combined wisdom and expertise of all participants, the workshop embarked on its deliberations, collectively working to ensure that technology remained an ally and that Namibia could stand resilient against ever-evolving cyber threats. The Namibian Cybercrime Workshop marked a significant step toward bolstering the nation's cybersecurity and contributing to the international dialogue on cybercrime.

Within the Ministry of Justice, fostering the next generation of legal professionals is not just a commitment—it's a cornerstone of our mission. Our Internship Program operates within a robust legal framework, comprising the Public Service Staff Rule, Internship Policy for Public Servants, Human Resources Development Policy, and Ministry of Justice Standards Operating Procedures.

Over the last financial year, we recruited over 150 interns, with approximately 20 securing permanent positions within the Ministry or other organizations, while around 60 interns are engaged nationwide. Aina Kalipi, our Learning and Development Officer, describes the internship program as a talent pipeline for the Ministry, identifying promising young professionals who may later join the organization as full-time employees. It serves as a vital gateway for young individuals to explore various career paths, receive mentorship, and network with industry professionals.

Hileni Kakoko, a receptionist at the office of the Attorney-General, shares her personal journey of discovery during her internship. She found an interest in legal secretarial work, which aligned well with her current duties. With aspirations to pivot into paralegal studies, Hileni leverages her Office Administration qualification and highlights the flexibility and growth opportunities provided by the internship program. Throughout their internships, our interns receive adequate support and guidance from supervisors, ensuring they gain valuable experience and contribute meaningfully to our objectives. Menesia, a control legal clerk, emphasizes the importance of interns in boosting departmental productivity and enabling senior colleagues to pursue more advanced projects.

Angula Frans, a Senior Accountant, underscores his role as a mentor and resource for interns, providing them with guidance, feedback, and support to navigate their roles effectively. The program also offers networking opportunities that can lead to valuable connections, mentorship, job offers, and references in the future. The success of our internship program in securing permanent positions for interns within the Ministry and other institutions is a testament to its effectiveness.

Raymund Eiseb, a Senior Administrative Officer and former intern, highlights the program's impact on future job prospects and the practical work experience gained by interns. We encourage students, graduates, and professionals interested in pursuing internships to visit our offices and submit their curriculum vitae for future opportunities. Our internship program not only benefits the Ministry but also provides invaluable experiences and growth opportunities for our interns as they embark on their legal careers. Together, we are empowering tomorrow's legal leaders and shaping the future of justice in Namibia.

Windhoek, Namibia - Ministry of Justice recently concluded its induction and orientation program for new employees held from May 13 to May 17, 2024. This comprehensive initiative aimed to integrate new staff members into the Ministry's environment, acquainting them with its structure, processes, and culture.

Gladice Pickering, Executive Director of the Ministry, underscored the importance of public service during the program. She urged new employees to prioritize citizens in their duties, reflecting the Ministry's commitment to serving Namibia with integrity and dedication. "The induction program aims to introduce new staff members to their working environment, to understand the structure of the ministry and ministerial processes, and to familiarize themselves with the standards, the norm, and the culture of the ministry," explained Muvale, Learning and Development Officer at the Ministry.

Participants shared their experiences and insights gained from the training. Cynthia Endjambi, a government attorney at the Civil Litigation Directorate highlighted the value of the program in enhancing their understanding of systems and processes governing the Ministry. "We gained insightful knowledge on our systems and processes that govern our ministry and enable us to perform our functions to the best of our abilities," she said. Reflecting on the week-long event, Ndana expressed appreciation for learning about the Ministry's motto and its significance. "It’s been quite an eventful week, we got to know about the motto of this great ministry, what it stands for thus integrity, honesty as well as being the leading service provider of legal services in Namibia," Ndana remarked. Eklien Kharases, another participant, found clarity on performance agreements and key performance indicators (KPIs) during the program. "I learned a lot about performance agreements, which I never understood until now. This week, it was explained to me in detail, and now I understand what KPIs and performance agreements are all about," Kharases shared.

In conclusion, the induction program successfully equipped new employees with a comprehensive understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the Ministry. It established a solid foundation for them to contribute effectively to the Ministry's mission of delivering justice and legal services to the people of Namibia.