The ongoing go-slow strike by magistrates, which started last week over salary-related frustrations, has been declared illegal by the Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Fillemon Wise Immanuel.
Immanuel directed all magistrates to return to work on Monday, stressing that Namibia operates under the rule of law, and that any labour grievances must be addressed through formal procedures rather than work stoppages.
He warned that ignoring the directive would be viewed as defiance, absenteeism, or negligence, and could damage the integrity and reputation of the judicial system.
The minister also confirmed he had been informed about the remuneration agreement reportedly reached between the Judiciary and the Magistrates’ Association but did not specify when he intends to sign it. “That is not what I said,” he clarified when questioned about whether he planned to delay his approval.
Reliable sources revealed that an agreement has already been concluded and is now awaiting the minister’s signature before being gazetted. Another insider suggested that normal court operations will only resume once the new salary structure takes effect.
Although firm in his position that the go-slow was not legally conducted, Immanuel maintained that his office remains open for dialogue and resolution.
