Outgoing ombudsman says he’s not being vindictive

OGONE TLHAGE



WINDHOEK

Ombudsman John Walters says the notion that he only started taking government to court recently is false, adding that the state didn’t grant his office the necessary support.

Walters also denounced suggestions that he is only taking government offices, ministries and agencies to court as he is nearing retirement, saying his record speaks for itself.

Speaking to Namibian Sun, Walters criticised the lack of support his office received from Parliament and high-ranking government officials.

“The Ombudsman litigates. I did not do it to be vindictive. I had no support system; Parliament which was [meant] to support [my office] did not support,” he said.

He added that he has a long history of litigation and that it was not due to him leaving office.

According to Walters, there was often non-responsiveness from government officials when his office wrote to them, which is what led to his office turning to litigation.

“There was non-responsiveness from government and even ministers. The biggest frustration [was] writing reminders… and being called vindictive. Now I am called vindictive; I am not the guilty party,” the Ombudsman said.

Leaving a solid foundation

Walters said he had hoped to create a great environment for his successor before his term of office ends.

“I tried to create a near-perfect office. I am trying to have all the vacancies filled. The website is down; it needs to be fixed. The website is our point of access. I need to get all of these things done,” he said of his immediate priorities.

“I don’t have resources to conduct functions; I could not determine my own priorities. Ask me what money I have to do campaigns or to litigate,” he added.

Walters also called on civil society to render more support to his successor.

Meanwhile, when asked what he is looking forward to the most when he leaves office, he mentioned travelling and spending time with his family.

“All I want to do when I retire is to drive to my farm and sit on my stoep and watch the sun set; to be able to spend time with my family,” Walters said.

Despite visiting many towns across the country during his time as a magistrate in the earlier days of his legal career, he also plans to prioritise travelling through rural Namibia.

Walters’ position was advertised this week by the Judicial Service Commission. The requirements call for, among other things, being a judge or admitted practitioner of the High Court and being a Namibian citizen.