Rudolf Gaiseb
National Council (NC) chairperson Lukas Muha has stressed the importance of building a modern, inclusive and responsive parliament through capacity-building, support and collaboration.
The NC held its first seminar yesterday to equip members with the necessary knowledge and skills required to effectively fulfil their legislative, oversight and representative mandate.
Muha underscored the council’s responsibility for holding the executive accountable, scrutinising the implementation of policies and programmes, and ensuring that public resources are managed transparently and efficiently.
“It is designed to ensure that our institution remains responsive, resilient and relevant in a rapidly changing world,” he said.
Muha said only 12 members are returning to the council, while 30 are new faces.
He noted that these members too will be capacitated, as the effectiveness of the National Council is ultimately determined by the capacity of its members and staff.
“Capacity building is not a one-time event but a continuous process of learning, adaptation and professional development,” he said.
Nevertheless, the council’s vision and mission remain clear.
They outline that the ultimate purpose is to serve the people, ensuring that their needs, hopes and aspirations are reflected in the laws we review, the policies we oversee and the decisions we make.
The council envisions a modern House of legislative review that represents the interests of the people of Namibia.
Its mission supports members of parliament to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional mandate of representation, legislative review and oversight.
NC’s vice chairperson Emma Muteka congratulated Muha on his re-election and the new members of the House.
“Our induction signifies more than the title ‘honourable’. It is a call to service, responsibility and national duty. Each of us joins this House of Parliament at a time when principled leadership, collaboration and foresight are essential for the progress of our nation,” she
said.
She called on the House of Review to remain a strong pillar of democracy, responsive to the aspirations of citizens and guided by the values of accountability and unity.
Finally, the induction provided the members with an opportunity to align their vision, deepen their understanding of the constitutional role, and recommit themselves to serve with integrity, diligence and purpose.