Chief Justice of Namibia
While Namibia's constitution enshrines the independence of the judiciary, appointment of judges lies in the power of the president. In 2002, the official retirement age for judges in Namibia was amended from 70 to 65. At reaching retirement age, judges including the Chief Justice can only be reappointed in acting position. This change cut short the term of Namibia's third Chief Justice Johan Strydom who became 65 in June 2003, a move that was speculated to be part of a plan to appoint a Chief Justice with close ties to SWAPO, the ruling party. As a legacy of the Commonwealth of Nations, Justices in Namibia bear the title "Lord". The Chief Justice is His Lordship Peter Shivute.
Appointment controversy
The Chief Justice and all other judges are appointed by the President of Namibia on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission in which the Chief Justice is a member.