By Surihe Gaomas
WINDHOEK
For the first time Namibia will commemorate the International Day Against Corruption in the capital today.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba is expected to deliver the keynote address.
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is calling on all Namibians to gather at the United Nations Plaza in Katutura this morning to engage in the fight against corruption.
In an interview yesterday, Director of the ACC, Paulus Noa, urged the public not to become victims of corruption, but rather the heroes in fighting against the social evil.
The commemoration, which coincides with National Anti-Corruption Week, is being held under the theme: “Join the Fight Against Corruption”.
“People must come and listen to the Head of State himself.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness among the public and encourage them to join in the fight against corruption. We must all take responsibility in this cause,” said Noa.
The International Day Against Corruption is usually commemorated on December 9 every year. However, since the 9th falls on a Sunday, Namibia decided to observe the day on December 5.
The United Nations General Assembly chose this day after the adoption of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on October 31, 2003. The Convention was then opened for signature in Mexico from December 9 to 11 the same year and again on December 9, 2005 at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Namibia signed the Convention on December 9, 2003 and ratified it on April 27, 2004.
Noa said that just like a cancer, corruption is a “vast impersonal force” that must be dealt with by all stakeholders and the entire nation.
“We all become victims of corruption and therefore we must all take part in rooting it out,” he added.
It is estimated that every year, over US$1 trillion is paid in bribes with devasta-ting consequences, particularly in developing countries. Furthermore, corruption cripples public revenue for essential goods and ser-vices and increases public spending.
Besides President Pohamba and Founding Father of the Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma, various other Government officials, agencies, political parties, civil society, development partners and religious organisations will attend the commemoration.
Ndilimani, Limbadungila Soweto and Makgona Ngwao cultural groups, as well as the Voices of God Choir, which won the song competition on corruption, will provide entertainment.