The government has set aside N$20 million in the 2023-2024 financial budget to establish the Office of the Information Commissioner, following the enactment of the Access to Information Act.
This was announced by information ministry spokesperson Shoki Kandjimi in a statement availed to the media.
When tabling the N$84 billion budget for the current financial year, Treasury boss Iipumbi Shiimi pointed to the allocation, without providing the amounts involved.
“Following the enactment of the Access to Information Act last year, we have provided the requisite financial resources in this budget for the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to establish the information commission office as required in the law. We hope this goes a long way to promote and enhance transparency, accountability and good governance,” Shiimi said.
Kandjimi, on the ministry’s part, welcomed the allocation.
“The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology welcomes the budget allocation of N$20 million towards the establishment of the Office of the Information Commissioner for the 2023/2024 financial year by the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprise,” he said.
It is the ministry’s position that the funding demonstrates and reaffirms government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, good governance and access to information.
“The establishment of the independent Office of the Information Commission will pave way for the appointment of the information Commissioner and the Deputy Information Commissioner, who is tasked to safeguard and promote the right to access information by the public.
When information minister Peya Mushelenga tabled what would become the Access to Information Act back in June 2020, it was aimed at promoting transparency and improving the anti-graft fight by compelling public and private institutions to provide information.
The law is divided into 10 components, of which the first part deals with the definitions, application, interpretation and general principles of the Act.
The second part covers inter alia the appointment of the information commissioner and the deputy information commissioner.
It also addresses issues related to the qualification for the appointments to positions of commissioner and deputy information commissioner, as well as matters relating to their disqualification.
The law makes it clear that individuals who are not Namibian citizens or who do not have permanent residence will not qualify for the position of commissioner or deputy commissioner.
The commissioners have certain limitations.
During their term of office, they may not engage in any political activity, such as presiding at a political meeting, drawing up or publishing any writing, or delivering a public speech or making a public statement with the intention to promote or prejudice the interests of any political party.
Additionally, the law also compels public entities to prepare and publish annual reports, whereas private entities are required to provide information if “the information held may assist in the exercise or protection of any fundamental human right”.
The reasonable period to provide or decline to provide information is 21 days.