THE University of Namibia this week graduated 27 Members of the National Council who successfully completed the Parliamentary Practice and Conduct Course at the ceremony held in Windhoek. Originally designed as a short course for parliamentarians, it has since evolved into a fully-fledged university program known as the Certificate in Parliamentary Practice and Conduct. The course is tailor-made to assist parliamentarians in fulfilling their duties while upholding the rule of law and the Namibian Constitution’s supremacy. Is offered under the Faculty of Commerce, Management and Law of the University of Namibia and offers the following modules; Customary Law, The Role of Parliament in a Constitutional Democracy, Administrative Law, Legislative Drafting, Constitutional Law and English for Academic Purposes.
At a graduation ceremony held at the National Council on Tuesday, Vice Chairperson, Hon. Victoria Kauma, highlighted the importance of the course, emphasising that it would help graduates to understand the different components of the Constitution crucial in the crafting legislation to maintain peace and order in Namibia. Hon. Kauma commended the graduates for their decision to enroll in the course and their perseverance in completing it. She stressed the importance of enhancing the knowledge and skills of MPs to enable them to effectively execute their constitutional mandate.
Also at the event, Dr. Ndatega Asheela-Shikalepo, the Associate Dean of the School of Law at the University of Namibia emphasieed the critical role that lawmakers play in addressing Namibia’s social and economic challenges. She reiterated the University of Namibia’s commitment to providing further training and continuing education to contribute to the nation’s development. The associate dean encouraged the graduates to utilise the skills acquired during the course in their parliamentary functions and to promote justice, fairness, and morality as individuals trained in the provisions of the Namibian constitution.
Hon. Johannes Karondo, the class captain, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2022. He praised the unity and compromise displayed by the diverse group of graduates. Despite the challenges they faced, including demanding schedules and limited preparation time, all of them successfully completed the course and earned an academic accolade that can open doors for further growth. Hon. Karondo emphasised that the knowledge gained from the course should not be just a decoration but a tool to enhance their ability to practice and conduct themselves ethically. He called on the graduates to make the Namibian public aware of their constitutional rights and obligations and to act fairly and reasonably in their roles as lawmakers. Furthermore, reminded fellow MPs of the importance of using standard language and maintaining good ethics in their parliamentary debates and deliberations.
The graduates are Hon. Micky Lukaezi, Hon. Phillemon Ndjambula, Hon. Kosmos Katura, Hon. Christopher Likuwa, Hon. Elkan Hainghumbi, Hon. Lonia Kaishungu, Hon. Paul Isaak, Hon. Leonard Shikulo, Hon. Uetjerevi Ngunaihe, Hon. Abner Shikongo, Hon. Laurentius lipinge, Hon. Bethuel Tjaveonja, Hon. Harald Kambrude, Hon. Paulus Mbangu, Hon. Daniel Kuuoko, Hon. Augustinus Tebele, Hon. Johannes Karondo, Hon. Richard Gaoseb, Hon. Rocco Nguvauva, Hon. Bennett Busihu, Hon. Adreas Uutoni, Hon. Jeremias Goeieman, Hon. Sebastian Gobs, Hon. Elder Filipe, Hon. George Garab, Hon. Deriou Benson and Hon. Sakeus Nagula.
