Book on Namibian Constitution launched

A new publication on the Namibian Constitution has seen the light of day, this time, to make it more accessible and palatable for a young – born free – audience.

The book, ‘The Constitution in the 21st Century: Perspectives on the context and future of Namibia’s supreme law’ was published by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and launched last week. It is an easy-to-use textbook containing perspectives of those who were part of the Constituent Assembly negotiations, placing the constitution in context. Other features are discussions on pertinent provisions in the constitution, opinions of ‘born frees’, and the constitution with all the subsequent amendments. Contributions are made by Naita Hishoono, Graham Hopwood, Justine Hunter, Frederico Links, and Masoma Sherazi. Director of the IPPR, Hopwood, said compilers of the book had found it difficult to access the minutes of the Constituent Assembly, hence the interviews with authors of the constitution. He did make the observation that Namibia’s peace and stability over the last 21 years could be ascribed to the manner in which the constitution was arrived at. Prime Minister Nahas Angula, a contributor to the book, said it brings into sharp focus how the constitution has performed as a guide in the legal aspects of governance.With hindsight, Angula acknowledged that a more distinct separation of the executive and legislature might have lightened the burden on Cabinet ministers.Vice president of Nanso, Sharonice Busch reported on opinions expressed by youth within the organisation that the constitution is silent on certain human rights, such as the rights of sexual minorities, but stressed the need to ‘maintain’ the constitution. President of the Polytechnic SRC Trevor Chika criticised Affirmative Action as stipulated in the constitution ‘discrimination in reserve’. He further stated that national reconciliation, despite its prominence in the constitution, has not yet translated in the workings of governance structures.

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