Windhoek: Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of Parliament, Milunga Elvis Lizazi, has raised alarm over the persistent underfunding of the Legal Aid Directorate, which has resulted in numerous financially disadvantaged citizens being deprived of legal representation. Lizazi, during the National Assembly's budget debate on Tuesday, emphasized that despite governmental intentions to enhance access to justice, fiscal allocations have not kept pace with policy reforms.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Lizazi, who also serves as IPC's shadow minister of Justice and Labour Relations, highlighted that the Ministry of Justice was initially allocated N.dollars 460.8 million. Nonetheless, in the 2024/25 financial year, out of 9,518 legal aid applications, only 5,984 were approved, marking an approval rate of 62.8 per cent. Consequently, more than 3,500 Namibians were denied state-provided legal representation. Lizazi advocated for additional resources to establish mobile legal aid units and enhance collaborations with civil society, underscoring that access to justice should not hinge on geographical location or income level.
Justice Minister Fillemon Wise Immanuel recently disclosed that funds for legal aid travel and subsistence allowances have been exhausted, complicating matters for legal counsel required to work away from their home bases. Earlier in January, opposition parties voiced concerns about the payment framework, which only compensates lawyers for in-court appearances, overlooking preparation time. Despite this, the income threshold for legal aid eligibility has been increased from N.dollars 3,000 to N.dollars 7,000 monthly in an effort to broaden access to justice.
Lizazi further articulated that the core tenet of the justice sector is to ensure the provision and administration of justice while protecting labour rights. He contended that these are fundamental to democracy and economic stability, and while acknowledging the ministry's efforts, he critiqued the ongoing inadequacies in budget allocation and management. He stressed the necessity for budgetary dignity and accountability, urging Parliament to uphold its oversight duties. As a result, Lizazi expressed opposition to the Appropriation Bill, arguing that its principles do not conform to the Constitution of Namibia.