The enduring legacy of colonial legal systems, referred to as German laws, continues to impact Namibia's legal system, indigenous communities and cultural values in the post-independence era.

These were the remarks of participants at the German Colonialism and the Law conference in Windhoek organised by the Namibian University of Technology (NUST) and the Humboldt University of Berlin.

A lecturer at NUST, Salomo Tjitamunisa, has highlighted the disconnect between Namibia's legal framework and the cultural values of marginalised groups influenced by colonial legal systems. 

His research showed how colonial-era injustices continue to impact the legal and sociopolitical landscape, affecting indigenous communities through brutalities, labour exploitation, land dispossession and cultural erosion. 

Tjitamunisa is advocating for legal reform to better integrate customary law, which is crucial for empowering indigenous voices and promoting social justice. 

He noted that about 100 laws remain in effect, including the Communal Land Reform Act of 2002, which he argued denies citizens land ownership rights.

Tjitamunisa has proposed a range of solutions, including law reform, development, social justice initiatives, and community engagement. 

These recommendations will provide actionable guidance for policymakers, to address historical injustices and promote inclusive governance that respects and protects the rights of indigenous communities.

Tjitamunisa was speaking at the three-day German Colonialism and the Law conference in Windhoek, organised by the Namibian University of Science and Technology and Humboldt University of Berlin.

The conference examined the role of law in colonialism, focusing on German colonial practices.