A five-day workshop for the parliamentary standing committee members on rules, orders and businesses as well as the committee for privileges and immunity of the National Council (NC), commenced at Otjiwarongo on Monday.

Chairperson of the National Council, Lukas Sinimbo Muha officially opened the training Monday morning.

Muha in his official remarks said the purpose of the workshop is to build capacity and create an in-depth understanding of the mandates of the two standing committees.

Thirteen NC members who serve on these standing committees of rules, orders and businesses as well as on privileges and immunity are attending the training.

“As members of the two committees, part of our task is to interpret and apply the law in a fair and reasonable manner at all times, therefore, these laws should be understood and approached by balancing the provision of rights, morality and corresponding obligations,” said Muha.

The chairperson further stated that regulating the conduct and behaviour of people will always bring about the law versus morality debate, therefore, it is of paramount importance that the parliamentary standing committee members note and understand that the law and morality are interdependent.

Secretary to the National Council, Advocate Tousy Namiseb, with a legal team from the National Council will facilitate the workshop.

The National Council has a total of 42 regional constituency councillors - three from each of the 14 regions across the country, said Namiseb.

Vice-Chairperson of the National Council, Victoria Kauma, and the Chief Whip of the National Council, Gerhard Shiimi are also attending the workshop which comes to an end on Friday.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency