San communities legally empowered

  • 3 Hours Ago - 2024-11-25 12:14:00
The Legal Assistance Centre (LAC), supported by the European Union (EU), completed a five-day field-based paralegal training programme for San communities in Namibia as part of its San Empowerment Project.
Held from 19 to 23 November 2024 in Gobabis and Vergenoeg in the Omaheke region, this programme aimed to improve access to justice and build legal capacity, particularly around community safety and empowerment.
Twelve participants from San communities gathered to learn about legal issues affecting their areas. The training emphasised the role of paralegals in promoting community safety, advocating for legal rights, and bridging gaps in areas with limited legal resources. A major focus was community policing, with trainees visiting Vergenoeg to observe local crime prevention practices led by the San community, including conflict resolution methods led by youth, women and community leaders.
Magdalena Jacob, a community police member, shared her perspective, stating, “At Vergenoeg, we believe that community safety is a shared responsibility”.
EU Programme Manager Silke Höfs noted that trained paralegals act as vital connectors to the formal justice system, ensuring justice becomes accessible for marginalized communities, while Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate encouraged participants to embrace their San heritage and advocate for community safety and legal empowerment.
In addition, participants engaged with Senior Headman Frans Kamtieb, who discussed traditional San approaches to conflict resolution and community order, providing insights into how indigenous practices can support modern policing. The training incorporated cultural elements, such as traditional dances, celebrating San heritage as essential to community resilience.
This initiative equips San paralegals with essential skills in conflict resolution and legal support, particularly in gender-based violence, land disputes and youth crime prevention.
LAC and the EU’s partnership aims to make justice a tangible reality for San communities, enhancing their autonomy and rights.