Our constitution is admired worldwide - Katjavivi
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, on Monday reflected on the drafting of the Namibian Constitution 30 years ago, saying that it is admired around the world.
The constitution was adopted on 9 February 1990, paving the way for Namibia's independence from South African rule.
“It is regarded as one of the most forward-looking constitutions in the world. Our constitution is respected around the world,” Katjavivi said at an event to mark the anniversary.
Katjavivi said drafting the constitution was a difficult task. The drafters included retired politicians Dirk Mudge and Mburumba Kerina, President Hage Geingob, lawyer Hartmut Ruppel and Ovaherero paramount chief Vekuii Rukoro, to mention but a few.
“The drafting of the constitution was a daunting task,” said Katjavivi.
He encouraged learners who attended the anniversary event to visit the National Assembly's Constitution Room.
“I would like to encourage our learners to visit parliament so that you acquaint yourself with the founding fathers and mothers of our nation. It is vital for you to learn the history of your country,” he said.
Katjavivi added that he hoped Constitution Day would become a national holiday.
“I hope the ninth of February becomes a national event so that we can interrogate what the constitution is about,” said Katjavivi.
Ombudsman John Walters said the constitution has stood the test of time, with the institutions it established still remaining in place.
“Take pride in the constitution,” said Walters.
The constitution has been amended twice. The first amendment was in 1998 and allowed founding president Sam Nujoma to seek a third term of office.
The second amendment in 2010 was to, among others extend the waiting period required for acquiring Namibian citizenship by marriage.
The third amendment in 2014 allowed the creation of the office of the vice-president. It also increased the size of the National Assembly and allowed the president to appoint the head of the intelligence agency, who forms part of the Security Commission.
OGONE TLHAGE
The constitution was adopted on 9 February 1990, paving the way for Namibia's independence from South African rule.
“It is regarded as one of the most forward-looking constitutions in the world. Our constitution is respected around the world,” Katjavivi said at an event to mark the anniversary.
Katjavivi said drafting the constitution was a difficult task. The drafters included retired politicians Dirk Mudge and Mburumba Kerina, President Hage Geingob, lawyer Hartmut Ruppel and Ovaherero paramount chief Vekuii Rukoro, to mention but a few.
“The drafting of the constitution was a daunting task,” said Katjavivi.
He encouraged learners who attended the anniversary event to visit the National Assembly's Constitution Room.
“I would like to encourage our learners to visit parliament so that you acquaint yourself with the founding fathers and mothers of our nation. It is vital for you to learn the history of your country,” he said.
Katjavivi added that he hoped Constitution Day would become a national holiday.
“I hope the ninth of February becomes a national event so that we can interrogate what the constitution is about,” said Katjavivi.
Ombudsman John Walters said the constitution has stood the test of time, with the institutions it established still remaining in place.
“Take pride in the constitution,” said Walters.
The constitution has been amended twice. The first amendment was in 1998 and allowed founding president Sam Nujoma to seek a third term of office.
The second amendment in 2010 was to, among others extend the waiting period required for acquiring Namibian citizenship by marriage.
The third amendment in 2014 allowed the creation of the office of the vice-president. It also increased the size of the National Assembly and allowed the president to appoint the head of the intelligence agency, who forms part of the Security Commission.
OGONE TLHAGE
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