🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Traditional leaders discuss Namibia's new no-fault divorce law and customary practices
via The Namibian4 min read
Traditional leaders in Namibia have commented on the country's new Dissolution of Marriages Act 2024, which introduced a no-fault divorce system. They note that principles similar to the new law, such as avoiding blame and focusing on asset division, have long been part of customary marriage systems. Frans Enkali, spokesperson for the Ondonga Traditional Authority, stated that customary authorities traditionally did not focus on assigning blame in divorces and protected individuals from shaming. He also highlighted that customary systems distinguish between jointly acquired assets and inherited property, citing inherited cattle as an example. Enkali added that some customary communities use agreements similar to antenuptial contracts. Abner Xoagub, spokesperson for the Damara Chief’s Council, mentioned that customary communities have established methods for property distribution upon marriage dissolution and that many rural communities will likely continue to follow these customary rules. While the new law allows courts to consider various factors for asset division and promotes mediation, traditional leaders raise questions about its interaction with customary marriages and existing systems for family property distribution.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Namibia has not yet acceded to the United Nations High Seas Treaty, stating it will only do so once it has the capacity to implement its provisions and fully benefit from marine biodiversity protections beyond national jurisdiction. Graca D’Almeida, director of marine ecosystems and marine research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, explained that international agreements come with obligations, and Namibia wants to ensure it can fulfill these before joining. She emphasized that Namibia recognizes the importance of international cooperation for sustainable ocean management, citing its collaboration with Angola and South Africa through the Benguela Current Convention. D’Almeida highlighted that the High Seas Treaty focuses on areas beyond national jurisdictions, which require capacity building to ensure Namibia can benefit from the agreement. A national committee, including stakeholders from the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, has been established to assess the advantages and challenges of joining the treaty and determine potential benefits. The High Seas Treaty came into force on January 17 after receiving 60 ratifications. Namibia welcomed the treaty in principle, acknowledging its potential contribution to global efforts to protect and conserve the high seas. Since Namibia did not sign the treaty at its adoption, it can now only join through accession. Marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jur
Energy Minister Modestus Amutse announced that international oil trader Vitol was awarded the tender to supply fuel to Namibia for the next three months because the company did not require government guarantees. Amutse explained that state oil company Namcor, despite offering a price 10 cents less than the basic fuel price BFP, was disqualified because it needed a guarantee to source oil. He clarified that Namcor is a spot buyer, not an international trader, and spot buying does not guarantee prices past a specific date. Other bidders, Starboard and SDAL Services Ltd, also required guarantees, which the government aimed to avoid. TotalEnergies submitted a bid with a price higher than the BFP. Amutse defended the arrangement with Vitol, stating it allows Namibia's wholesalers to procure fuel at a lower price without premiums, and that Vitol currently supplies 60% of fuel to Namibia's wholesalers. He also noted that arrangements are being made for a bulk supply process for fuel, and that the question regarding the competition commission's determination on Nasan Energies buying fuel from Vitol is under consideration.
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