Catherine Sasman
21 October 2008
Windhoek — The Johannes Paulus Karuaihe Trust Fund raised N$200 000 at a gala dinner in support of Namibian law students last week.
This is the ninth year of the trust fund's existence since the untimely death of the then 37-year-old Johannes Karuaihe, in a car accident in March 1999.
The fund has so far sponsored the studies of 28 students, mostly in Namibia and South Africa.
Seven of these beneficiaries have already graduated and are working in the legal field in the country.
"As we know, the national budget can hardly meet all of society's needs. Very few families can afford to send their children to study at institutions of higher learning. Yet, as a nation, we have no prospect of ever becoming developed if we do not educate our people properly," commented Judge President of the High Court, Petrus Damaseb, at the gala dinner last week.
He said initiatives such as the J. P. Karuaihe Trust Fund are essential adjuncts to the national effort for the development of professionals.
"The law is an important instrument in national development," Damaseb continued.
"In a fledgling democracy such as ours, lawyers play a crucial role."
Said Damaseb: "It is such a pity that Justice Karuaihe died so early before he could, through writing, share his experiences with us all and in that way contribute to the process of reconciliation in our society - a society in which merit enjoys primacy and not one's race or gender."
The top five sponsors of the J. P. Karuaihe Trust Fund this year are Dr Weder, Kauta and Hoveka, the Pupkewitz Foundation, Trustco, Namdeb, and P. E. Minerals.
M. Amunyela was awarded the prize for the best LLB student sponsored by the trust fund, and the best candidate legal practitioner was awarded to ZoëYvette Aspara.
The best law firm social responsibility award went to Lorenz Angula for the second year in a row, and the best human rights law firm award went to the Legal Assistance Centre.
Awards for best academic achievements of the J. P. Karuaihe beneficiaries went to Hileni Ashipala (Unam second year B. Juris), Hitjiua Tjiho (Unam second year B. Juris), Dickson Matengu (Unam, LLB), Nangosora Tjipitua (Unam, LLB), and Ndapewa Ndemuweda (University of Zululand, LLB).
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