Law Reform and Development Commission

Also known as: LRDC

Law Reform and Development Commission — gradually reviews Namibia's statute book, including outdated colonial-era and South African-inherited laws.

2025-12-022026-11-05

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Law Reform and Development Commission

Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

November 2026
4 NovNew Era
Law Reform and Development Commission conducts studies of and makes recommendations on old laws for repeal
Source
“Namiseb explained that the Law Reform and Development Commission, under the Ministry of Justice, conducts in-depth studies of old laws and makes recommendations on which should be repealed.”
Zambezi residents agitate on outdated laws
August 2026
29 AugThe Namibian
Bience Gawanas served as chairperson of the Law Reform and Development Commission
Source
“As the chairperson of the Law Reform and Development Commission, Gawanas spearheaded crucial progressive legislation.”
Gawanas Unwrapped: Stripping Away the Title
July 2026
12 JulThe Namibian
Law Reform and Development Commission was approved to undertake review of cannabis possession and use laws in Namibia
Source
“In a plea filed at the court, the defendants said the minister of justice has given approval to the Law Reform and Development Commission (LRDC) to undertake a review of the laws concerning the possession and use of cannabis in Namibia.”
Attempt to legalise cannabis fails in High Court
June 2026
30 JunThe Namibian
Law Reform and Development Commission has acknowledged consumer protection in Namibia remains fragmented and needs consolidation
Source
“The Law Reform and Development Commission has already acknowledged that consumer protection in Namibia remains fragmented and needs to be consolidated.”
When the Market Betrays Its People: Namibian Consumers ‘Trapped’
April 2026
21 AprThe Namibian
Law Reform and Development Commission was consulted on a combating of sexual exploitation bill prepared several years ago
Source
“A combating of sexual exploitation bill that would comprehensively cover both online and offline sexual exploitation was prepared several years ago, in consultation with key ministries, the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and the Law Reform and Development Commission.”
Problems With the Cybercrime Bill
March 2026
14 MarThe Namibian
Law Reform and Development Commission is urged by Tangi Justice and Hope Foundation founder to champion constitutional court reform
Source
“As the founder of the Tangi Justice and Hope Foundation, I urge the parliament, the Law Reform and Development Commission, and civil society to champion this reform.”
Time for a Constitutional Court
December 2025
2 DecThe Namibian
Law Reform and Development Commission is involved in enacting legislation
Source
“Law reform also involves line ministries, legal drafters and the Law Reform and Development Commission.”
Law Reform in Namibia: Is it slowing down?

Politics

Zambezi residents press Parliament to review outdated colonial-era laws

The News

Residents in the Zambezi region have challenged Parliament to review outdated laws, strengthen public consultations, and improve accountability, raising concerns about legislation on issues including gender-based violence, substance abuse, and learner welfare. The National Council Secretary acknowledged that Namibia retains inherited laws from the colonial era and South African administration, and said the country is gradually reviewing its statute book through the Law Reform and Development Commission.

21 hours ago · New Era →

Yesterday

Zambezi residents press Parliament to review outdated colonial-era laws
Residents in the Zambezi region have challenged Parliament to review outdated laws, strengthen public consultations, and improve accountability, raising concerns about legislation on issues including gender-based violence, substance abuse, and learner welfare. The National Council Secretary acknowledged that Namibia retains inherited laws from the colonial era and South African administration, and said the country is gradually reviewing its statute book through the Law Reform and Development Commission.
21 hours ago · New Era →

Saturday 29 August

Documentary explores Bience Gawanas beyond institutional roles
A new documentary titled 'The Encapsulation of Bience Gawanas', directed by filmmaker Othilia Mungoba, presents an intimate audiovisual portrait of the liberation figure and human rights advocate using multi-sensory storytelling that blends conversations, archival footage, personal artefacts, photographs and music. The film will be screened on 28 August at a public event in Windhoek.
29 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 12 July

High Court dismisses legal challenge to cannabis prohibition
A Windhoek High Court judge has dismissed a legal challenge seeking to legalise cannabis possession and use in Namibia, ruling that policymaking on the issue is primarily a function for the executive and legislative branches, not the courts. The judge found the dispute involves complex matters of public health, criminal law, and social policy that are inappropriate for judicial determination.
12 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 30 June

Namibia's fragmented consumer protections leave citizens vulnerable
Namibian consumers face widespread exploitation—from faulty mobile data to denied refunds—due to the absence of a comprehensive Consumer Protection Act and a fragmented legal framework that is difficult to navigate and enforce.
30 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 10 June

Minor offenders seek criminal record expungement after serving sentences
People convicted of minor offences in Namibia are calling for amendments to laws allowing petty convictions to be removed from criminal records, arguing that permanent criminal histories prevent them from rebuilding their lives. The current Criminal Procedure Act of 1997 makes no statutory provision for expungement, leaving individuals barred from decent employment unless directly pardoned by the president.
10 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 7 June

Electoral Commission submits 2025 election assessment to Parliament
The Electoral Commission of Namibia has presented its Performance Assessment and Post-Election Report for the 2025 Regional Council and Local Authority Council elections to the National Assembly. The report assesses the conduct and overall performance of the elections and includes recommendations for legislative reform to strengthen electoral integrity.
7 June 2026 · Informanté →

Tuesday 21 April

Cybercrime bill has serious flaws, experts say
The final draft of Namibia's cybercrime bill contains multiple shortcomings including undefined terms around computer viruses, cyberbullying, and obscene images that could lead to unconstitutional restrictions on free speech and inadequate victim protection. The author argues the bill should be improved before parliamentary submission, citing concerns that key provisions lack clarity, may inhibit online speech, and could create practical enforcement problems.
21 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 14 March

Namibia needs dedicated constitutional court to protect minority rights
An opinion piece argues that Namibia should establish a specialised constitutional court to safeguard fundamental rights against majoritarian pressure, citing concerns that the current Supreme Court system has allowed laws contradicting equality protections—such as the 2024 Marriage Act—and left minorities vulnerable on issues including LGBTQI+ rights.
14 March 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 19 February

ECN spent N$16.33 million on five 2025 by-elections
The Electoral Commission of Namibia spent N$16.33 million on five by-elections held on 17 June 2025 in Otjozondjupa, Kunene and Zambezi regions, following the resignation of five councillors elected to the National Assembly in November 2024. The by-elections were held in Grootfontein, Otjiwarongo, Kamanjab, Sesfontein and Kabbe South constituencies, with ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua praising the peaceful conduct of the voting.
19 February 2026 · The Namibian →