Celesta Rosetha Kandanga-Nangolo
Windhoek
Summary
Dynamic Legal Practitioner with extensive experience in legislative drafting, policy analysis, and corporate governance. Admitted to the High Court of Namibia, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing legal standards and regulatory compliance. Successfully drafted key legislation including the Lotteries Act, 2017, the Namibia Special Risks Insurance Association Act, 2017, Microlending Act, 2018, Access to Information Act, 2022, Public Procurement Amendment Act, 2022 and Payment Systems Management Act, 2023, and several regulations namely the Financial Intelligence Regulations, 2015, Sectional Title Regulations, 2014 and the Lotteries Regulations, 2021 that enhance national governance frameworks. Skilled in stakeholder engagement, compliance and risk management, with a focus on implementing effective policies that align with both national and international regulations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Deputy Chief: Legislative Drafting
Ministry of Justice (Legislative Drafting Directorate)
Windhoek
12.2018 - Current
- Draft and scrutinize legislative measures, ensuring alignment with empowering legislation
- Conducted legal research and supervised junior drafters
- Provided training and awareness sessions, attended Cabinet Committee meetings in an advisory capacity
National Legal Specialist (Consultancy)
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
Windhoek
03.2022 - 04.2024
- Supported the revision of legislation regulating plant quarantine and agricultural management
- Reviewed policy and legal instruments, consulted FAOLEX database, and drafted analytical reports
- Drafted new bills on plant health, pesticides, and fertilizer management, aligning with best practices and legal standards
Chief Legal Officer
Ministry of Justice (Legislative Drafting Directorate)
Windhoek
07.2016 - 11.2018
- Performed legislative drafting and scrutiny, authorized subordinate legislation
- Conducted legal research and supervised junior drafters
Senior Legal Officer
Ministry of Justice (Legislative Drafting Directorate)
Windhoek
07.2013 - 07.2016
- Drafted and scrutinized legislative measures, conducted legal research
Candidate Legal Practitioner (Attachment)
Government Attorneys/Civil Litigation Directorate
05.2014 - 11.2014
- Managed court matters, client consultations, debt collection, and arbitration
Legal Officer
Ministry of Justice (Legislative Drafting Directorate)
Windhoek
03.2011 - 07.2013
- Focused on the drafting and scrutiny of proclamations and legislative measures
Legal Consultant/Deceased Estate Administrator
Trustco Insurance and Life Ltd
Windhoek
07.2009 - 03.2011
- Administered deceased estates, assess legal insurance claims, drafted legal documents, and provided legal advice
Education
Governance Practitioner -
Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa
01.2025
Certificate in Board Governance -
University of Johannesburg
01.2020
Master of Law in Advanced Legislative Studies (LLM) -
University of London, School of Advanced Study - Institute of Advanced Legislative Studies
01.2018
Management and Leadership Development Programme -
Southern Business School
01.2017
Post-Graduate Certificate of Proficiency in Legislative Drafting -
Ghana School of Law
01.2012
Bachelor of Law (LLB) -
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (now Nelson Mandela University)
01.2009
Grade 12 -
Windhoek International School
01.2004
Skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Leadership and Team Management
- Communication Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Strategic Thinking
- Ethical Awareness and Integrity
- Time Management and Prioritisation
Professional Accomplishments
- Admitted Legal Practitioner, High Court of Namibia, 01/01/19
- Member, Law Society of Namibia, 01/01/19
- Board Appointment, Member, Metrology Advisory Board, 06/01/22
- Board Appointment, Independent Non-Executive Director & Vice Chairperson, Medicity Medical Practice (Pty) Ltd, 04/01/24
References
- Dr. Free Zenda, Deputy Chief: Legislative Drafting, Directorate Legislative Drafting, +264 81 143 4478, Free.Zenda@moj.gov.na
- Mrs. Diina V. Nashidengo, Chairperson of Metrology Advisory Board/ Director: Commerce Directorate, +264 81 124 2255, Diina.Nashidengo@Mit.gov.na
- Mr. Ferdinard Mwapopi, Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), FAO Representation in Namibia, +264 81 147 2912, Ferdinard.Mwapopi@fao.org
Timeline
National Legal Specialist (Consultancy)
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
03.2022 - 04.2024
Deputy Chief: Legislative Drafting
Ministry of Justice (Legislative Drafting Directorate)
12.2018 - Current
Chief Legal Officer
Ministry of Justice (Legislative Drafting Directorate)
07.2016 - 11.2018
Candidate Legal Practitioner (Attachment)
Government Attorneys/Civil Litigation Directorate
05.2014 - 11.2014
Senior Legal Officer
Ministry of Justice (Legislative Drafting Directorate)
07.2013 - 07.2016
Legal Officer
Ministry of Justice (Legislative Drafting Directorate)
03.2011 - 07.2013
Legal Consultant/Deceased Estate Administrator
Trustco Insurance and Life Ltd
07.2009 - 03.2011
Governance Practitioner -
Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa
Certificate in Board Governance -
University of Johannesburg
Master of Law in Advanced Legislative Studies (LLM) -
University of London, School of Advanced Study - Institute of Advanced Legislative Studies
Management and Leadership Development Programme -
Southern Business School
Post-Graduate Certificate of Proficiency in Legislative Drafting -
Ghana School of Law
Bachelor of Law (LLB) -
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (now Nelson Mandela University)
Grade 12 -
Windhoek International School
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