KEETMANSHOOP – An African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) delegation was in Keetmanshoop this week, holding a consultative meeting with the regional leadership. 

Led by veteran social justice activist Uhuru Dempers, the APRM team solicited valuable input for the drafting and development of the national governance report. 

When delivering the welcoming remarks, //Kharas regional governor Aletha Frederick said the intervention forms parts of the APRM’s efforts to gather the perspectives and feedback of stakeholders in the region on the governance landscape of Namibia. 

“The APRM is a self-assessment tool that was established by the African Union to promote good governance and sustainable development across the continent,” Frederick said. 

The APRM conducts regular reviews of member states to assess their progress in addressing governance challenges and implementing best practices.

“The national governance report for Namibia is a critical tool that will provide a comprehensive overview of the country’s governance landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges,” Frederick continued. 

The politician informed the stakeholders that their insights, expertise and perspectives are instrumental in shaping the national governance report, hence the need to share their thoughts and experiences openly and honestly, without fear of retaliation or judgment. 

They must also provide constructive feedback, she said. 

On his part, Dempers, a member of the APRM national governing council, said the regional consultation seeks credible, reliable and up-to-date data on the performance governance indicators.

It also seeks to ensure periodic and continuous assessment of selected governance areas to detect those requiring improvement, imbue a sense of ownership of the country’s governance and assist governments in formulating informed policies accurately. 

“The mandate of the APRM is that of strengthening the governance architecture within and among the AU member states by rectifying governance deficiencies,” Dempers said. 

- sklukowski@nepc.com.na