Waiver backlog breaching law and crippling land reform

ANONYMOUS WRITES:

Windhoek – The Land Reform Division within the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, Water and Land Reform is facing unprecedented delays, with a number of waivers left pending for months beyond the legally prescribed 90-day timeframe. 

This division, which plays a critical role in facilitating access to farmland, is suffering unprecedented delays and inefficiencies – a situation not experienced under previous ministers.

According to agents working closely with the Ministry, a substantial number of waivers remain unsigned, with some dating back nine months to a year. 

Namibian law, under the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act, 1995 and its amendments in 2002, stipulates that farms offered to the Government must be processed within 90 days. 

If a counteroffer is not received within 90 days of such farm being offered to the Government, the Minister is obliged under the Act to issue a Waiver. The current backlog therefore represents not only administrative inefficiency but a breach of statutory obligation.  

Waivers are critical for farmers who are in need to sell their farms and for any potential buyer to secure financing. No transaction can be completed without a Waiver, and prolonged delays have left farmers struggling financially who are in dire need to sell their farms.  

Agriculture remains the backbone of Namibia's economy and food security. Stakeholders argue that the current backlog undermines trust in public institutions, discourages investment, and places unnecessary strain on those farmers which are under financial strain.  

“The farming Minister to urgently address these delays, uphold the legal requirements for waiver processing, and restore efficiency and accountability to the Land Reform Division.”

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