Auleria Wakudumo 

OSHIKANGO – The Minister of Finance Ericah Shafudah has commended Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) employees for their dedication and hard work, which she said has contributed to the steady increase in government revenue collection. 

She made these remarks during her courtesy visit to the Oshikango border post this week, where she addressed NamRA staff and took time to engage with employees on the ground. 

“I encourage you to continue executing your duties with efficiency, professionalism and ethical integrity. I am proud that NamRA is fulfilling its mandate on behalf of the nation,” Shafudah said. 

She highlighted that providing customs and excise services – from facilitating trade to safeguarding Namibia’s border against illegal importation – is not a simple task. 

The minister noted with pride the excellent work being carried out by NamRA officials on the ground. 

Shafudah emphasised the importance of teamwork and unity of purpose, stressing that NamRA’s success depends on collective effort. 

“When you work together in unity, you not only strengthen this institution but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and stability,” she said. 

The added that she was pleased to hear that bribery, or what is commonly referred to as ‘cooldrink money’, among NamRA employees is now a thing of the past. 

She encouraged staff to continue working without being bribed and take pride in their work. 

She reminded them that integrity is the cornerstone of public service. 

The minister announced that NamRA will formally absorb the remaining employees currently seconded from the finance ministry. 

These 80 staff members, who, although officially employed by the ministry, have been working at NamRA on a temporary basis. 

She explained that these employees will be given a choice to either transfer permanently to NamRA or remain at the ministry. 

Shafudah said this move is meant to strengthen NamRA’s operations and provide certainty for employees who have been serving the agency while still attached to the ministry. 

NamRA commissioner Sam Shivute supported the minister’s remarks, stating that the agency remains committed to serving with honesty and ensuring that Namibia benefits from all revenue collected at its borders. 

He encouraged employees to keep up their good performance and continue setting a standard of excellence in public service. 

Meanwhile, NamRA border control and operational compliance senior manager Abner David said that NamRA is in the process of coming up with a solution specifically tailored to address small and medium enterprises, popularly referred to as the ‘order with me group’. 

“We have been following their concerns that they have been raising all along. We must admit that some of the concerns are genuine – issues like delays and high duties. 

Hence, we are coming up with a solution to this,” he stated. 

-wakudumoauleria@gmail.com