RUNDU – Lawmaker Fenny Tutjavi has lauded the opening of law firm De Celestino Incorporated in Rundu as a historic milestone for youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and rural access to justice.
In a keynote address delivered on her behalf by Anna Andimba, the Chairperson of the Junior National Council, Tutjavi praised the law firm’s managing director, Naboth De Celestino, who has made history as the youngest managing director of a law firm in Namibia. “At an age when many are still finding their footing in the profession, this young man has taken bold steps to establish a fully fledged legal practice,” Tutjavi stated. She added that youth is not a barrier to leadership but a launching pad for national development.
The new office, located at Ngandu Plaza in Rundu, was made possible through funding from the National Youth Development Fund. Tutjavi noted that the establishment of the practice serves as a tangible demonstration of what national youth instruments can achieve when matched with discipline and talent. Beyond its legal mandate, the firm is already contributing to the local economy by creating internal employment for five young Namibian legal professionals and support staff. This direct investment helps mitigate the need for local youth to migrate to other regions in search of professional opportunities. Furthermore, Tutjavi emphasised that the firm directly echoes the national vision of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who champions young people as vital partners in national development. By offering local civil, criminal, and corporate legal services, De Celestino Incorporated brings justice closer to the residents of Rundu and the surrounding Kavango constituencies, eliminating the long, costly distances previously required to access legal counsel.
On his part, De Celestino reflected on his personal journey into the legal profession, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the commitment to building a respected regional institution based on integrity and excellence.
He said establishing the firm in his hometown was a deliberate effort to challenge the belief that prestigious professional practices must be based only in Windhoek.
“We can build serious institutions here. Our region should not simply export their brightest young people to other parts of the country. We must create environments in which they can return, establish themselves, employ others and contribute to the communities from which they came,” said De Celestino.
The practice will operate under the motto “non ducimur, ducimus”.
It translates to “We are not led, we lead.” He added that the firm aims to improve access to justice while actively mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. “We must build a reputation and an institution capable of surviving difficult seasons,” he said.
Also speaking at the launch, Rundu mayor Andreas Jikerwa praised the initiative as a major step forward for regional infrastructure and professional development.
He emphasised that as the town’s population expands, “our need for professional services must grow with it.” Jikerwa noted that the establishment of the firm represents a practical shift away from the historical concentration of specialised professions in the capital city. The mayor highlighted this shift, explaining that for many years, there has been a tendency for professional opportunities and services to become concentrated in larger urban centres, particularly Windhoek.
“By setting up a permanent practice in Rundu, Kavango East, the firm directly supports the local council’s long-term developmental vision to create an environment where young professionals can confidently build sustainable careers, employ local residents, and succeed regionally,’’ he said, while noting that the law firm serves as a prime example of turning national youth resources into tangible local infrastructure.
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