Windhoek
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has urged cabinet ministers and leaders of state institutions not to tolerate corruption. She expressed the sentiments at a workshop on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan 2016 to 2019, which was specifically arranged for cabinet members.
“I urge all of us to exhibit zero tolerance for corruption in the operations of institutions. It is needed that we have a hands-on approach to contribute to bringing about the change that will help us realise our maximum economic potential. Let us work together in the interest of an effective government and good governance,” said Kuungongelwa-Amadhila.
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director General Paulus Noa and Deputy Director General Erna van der Merwe each did presentations on the action plan booklet.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said a technical committee was appointed in 2013 to oversee the development of a specific national anti-corruption strategy through an extensive consultative process.
“Consultative public hearings to discuss issues to be included in the strategy were conducted throughout Namibia by the ACC and the technical working committee. Consultations also included discussions with specific stakeholders, experts and academics, an investigation into international best practices, a literature review, as well as a study of all relevant national laws and international treaties and conventions signed and or ratified by the government.
“You will recall the strategy served before cabinet earlier this month, but, given the technical and extensive nature of the objectives and actions emanating from the strategy and action plan, cabinet resolved to have a separate workshop to get to grips and support the objectives and actions,” she said.
She said the government ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in August 2004 and in accordance with article 5(1) of the convention, each state party shall, in accordance with the fundamental principles of its legal system, develop and implement or maintain effective, coordinated anti-corruption policies that promote the participation of society and reflect the principles of the rule of law, proper management of public affairs and public property, integrity, transparency and accountability.
She urged cabinet members to work together in the interest of an effective government and good governance.
She observed that the underlined principles of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan for 2016 to 2019 are to improve public service delivery, boost economic growth, support financial stability and reach the social fabric of the Namibian society.
The strategy is designed to achieve six key objectives, which are to increase the level of political accountability; prevent corruption in government offices, ministries, agencies and public enterprises; strengthen efforts to deter corruption; conduct extensive anti-corruption education; prevent corruption in the private sector, and engage civil society and the media in combatting corruption.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said a system for the declaration of income, assets and other interests has been institutionalised for MPs and for civil servants. “Both ministers and the management in the civil service have signed performance agreements, which clearly stipulate strategic objectives, activities and performance outcomes. These are all bold efforts government made to ensure effective delivery of service and also strengthen the culture of transparency and teamwork in Namibia,” she said.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said the Witness and Whistle-blower Protection Bill is receiving government’s attention and it should also positively impact on the ACC’s activities.
She said more institutions would become more intricately involved in fulfilling their respective obligations in the fight against corruption through, among others, participation in integrity committees. The UNDP provided financial and technical support towards the drafting and finalisation of the strategy.