Windhoek:Swapo Party Secretary-General Sophia Shaningwa has called on the Land Reform Advisory Commission to tackle the persistent issue of landlessness affecting many communities in Namibia. Her remarks were made during a session of the National Assembly where she supported the appointment of four new members to the commission.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the National Assembly approved the appointments of Cardini Corinda Corinne Roman, Jeaneth Kuhanga, Mona-Lisa Nicoletta McKay, and Ermelinda Tjimune to the 12-member commission. These members will serve a three-year term from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2029. Shaningwa noted that the appointments were overdue, as the previous commission's term had expired on April 30, 2026.

The commission, which operates under the Agricultural Land Reform Act of 1995, plays a significant advisory role in executing land reform and resettlement programs in Namibia. Shaningwa expressed concern that the commission's inactivity since the start of the second quarter of the financial year had hindered progress in crucial areas such as commercial agricultural land acquisition and resettlement.

Shaningwa emphasized the commission's duty to advise the Minister of Agriculture on land issues and collaborate with regional resettlement committees to evaluate and recommend applications. She stressed the importance of the commission's effective functioning, given that Parliament has already allocated resources for land acquisition and development.

Highlighting the national significance of land issues, Shaningwa warned against delays in the institutions responsible for land reform. She urged the incoming commissioners not to neglect the challenges faced by landless communities and former farm workers, who have been deprived of land ownership for decades. She also underscored the need to consider future generations' needs in addressing these challenges.