Rudolf Gaiseb
First Gentleman, retired Lieutenant General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, has sent off chief executive officers of public institutions with a message to “sharpen their swords” and “rejuvenate” this festive season, as next year looms busy with changes in the public sector.
Speaking at the Christmas dinner hosted by the Public Enterprises Chief Executive Officers’ Forum at Droombos on Tuesday, in a keynote on strategic leadership and management described as a ‘masterclass’, Ndaitwah urged CEOs to come back more proactive and versatile.
Referring to the Public Enterprises Governance (PEGA) Amendment Bill, Ndaitwah noted that the leaders align with the government›s aim and steer their organisations in the same trajectory.
He further advised leaders to refrain from old habits and adapt to innovative changes while empowering their employees.
“If you don’t have the capacity to empower the people, then you are not a leader,” Ndaitwah noted.
Moreover, when it comes to competition, Ndaitwah also urged the public sector to work together to grow the industry and attain their mandates and to compete with outsiders, not against each other.
Meanwhile, executive director to the prime minister’s office Ben Nangombe underscored that going forward, the reforms to the PEGA create deeper collaboration between the state and the private sector and ensure better governance and stronger accountability.
During the Public–Private Forum, the private sector noted that it is ready to work with government but wants authority and transparency clearly outlined and consistent processes for approving joint ventures, investments and restructuring.
They also want professional boards and management and reliability in dividend, procurement and project decisions.
“The Amendment Bill provides this clarity and structure,” he stated.
The Bill allows the prime minister to issue directives concerning common standards of corporate governance of public enterprises. Directives on remuneration of board members and of senior executive management of public enterprises will also be issued by him.
“This will affirm the centrality of the prime minister’s role in ensuring sound corporate governance, parity, and uniformity among our public enterprises,” he noted.
He further highlighted that with this Bill, it becomes much easier to structure public–private partnerships, design co-investment models in energy, logistics, water, digital infrastructure and other priority sectors and attract long-term strategic investors into commercial public enterprises.
Meanwhile, the Public Enterprises Chief Executive Officers’ Forum chairperson, Fluksman Samuehl, echoed that there is a huge expectation from our shareholders, the public, as far as the public enterprise is concerned: to do more, to be impactful, and to deliver services.
Samuel urged commercial entities to up their game. “They have to declare dividends so that they reduce the pressure on the treasurer,” he said.
Moreover, Samuehl said, “We are ready to contribute to the Namibia that we want to see.”
Finally, the event was graced by various public enterprise bosses who exchanged presents for the festive season.