President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is unimpressed by the legislative branch of the State. 

She expressed disappointment in the low number of bills passed last year and calling for urgent action to meet public expectations.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who heads the executive arm, registered disappointment yesterday while presiding over the opening of the Third Session of the Eighth Parliament under the theme ‘Enhance the Role of Parliament for Inclusive Development and Participatory Democracy’.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Nandi-Ndaitwah said, out of nine key bills considered in 2025, only two were successfully passed. 

To her dismay, they were both related to the national budget.

“Regrettably, of all these nine bills, only two budget-related bills went through. This is very disappointing because the people of Namibia deserve better services from their elected representatives. It is the hope of our people that such a situation will not repeat itself in the second year of the eighth parliament,” she said.

Over the past year, Nandi-Ndaitwah continued, Parliament considered and tabled several bills, including the Appropriation Bill, the Regional Councils Amendment Bill, the Land Bill, the Public Enterprises Governance Amendment Bill, the Mental Health Bill and the Appropriation Amendment Bill.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, a former MP herself, continued that notices too were issued for the introduction of the Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority Bill, the Income Tax Amendment Bill and the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill.

She stressed that Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to enact laws that shape the social and economic life of the country.

“Laws enacted in this August House serve as the foundation for social order, economic growth and democratic governance. They establish stability, fairness and predictability, safeguard fundamental rights, encourage investment and innovation, and ensure disputes are settled peacefully,” she said.

She also warned against political point-scoring during debates, urging members to focus on their core mandate.

“Some parliamentarians may be attempting to score political points through debates. However, I strongly believe the majority of our people want to see parliamentarians performing their fundamental constitutional duties of making laws, which will guide and address the actual needs of our citizens,” she said.

“Robust debate is a cornerstone of our democracy. However, it must always be conducted with respect, discipline and purpose. Our people expect their representatives in Parliament to work diligently. They want debates that lead to solutions, laws that improve lives, and oversight that reinforces governance in a timely manner,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

Highlighting the country’s economic and social challenges, including high unemployment, poverty and inequality, she said Parliament’s role in crafting responsive legislation has never been more critical.

“These domestic challenges are further increased by global economic uncertainty, climate-related pressures and geopolitical instability. 

In this context, Parliament’s role in creating responsive, inclusive and protective legislation becomes even more vital. 

The resilience of our people must be complemented by the foresight of our laws,” she said.

The President called on members of Parliament to rise above political divisions and focus on national development.

“While we may hold diverse political views as elected public representatives, we should be united by a common goal: the prosperity and well-being of the Namibian people. 

Democracy relies on differing opinions, but it survives through shared commitment to the national interest,” she said.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah also stressed the importance of sustainable management of Namibia’s natural resources.

“The wealth generated in this country should benefit many of our people, not just a few. As Parliament continues to pass legislation, it must ensure that Namibia’s natural resources are used responsibly and sustainably. Adding value to our products should be one of our core principles to stimulate and grow our economy,” she said.

– ljason@nepc.com.na