Stefanus Nashama
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), in collaboration with Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX), this week commenced with the second framework of a workshop to provide expert and practical support to deal with corruption risk in the public sector.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop in Windhoek, ACC Executive Director, Tylvas Shilongo, said the workshop underscores shared commitment to finding solutions, exchanging insights, and exploring new possibilities to combat corruption risk.
Since the Commission intends to establish a comprehensive framework at the national level to conduct corruption risk management within public entities, Shilongo stressed the workshop would provide experts with an in-depth understanding of the matter.
According to the Director, the workshop shadows an expert mission conducted in November 2023.
This, he said was attended by the five experts in Windhoek as a first step of technical assistance this covenant.
“Throughout this workshop, we will delve into various topics concerning corruption prevention, with a particular focus on the criminal justice system’s role in combating corruption,” Shilongo reiterated.
At the same time, he revealed the workshop would explore the issues surrounding information accessibility, various legislations, and accountability within the public sector.
“We will also catalyze our triumph toward transparency and accountability at every level of the public service,” he added.
While acknowledging the commencement of the workshop, Shilongo explained that the national framework is intended to serve as a support or guide for the key stakeholders in Namibia, to manage corruption risks.
He further looked at some of the key weaknesses, citing the lack of ownership by institutions to implement mitigation and recommendations after risk assessments are conducted at an institution.
This, he added, required a national framework to develop possible solutions.
Meanwhile, at the same event, Beatriz Martins Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Namibia, highlighted TAIEX program aims to strengthen some of the main pillars of national integrity and accountability system for efficient, transparent and accountable institutions.
This, she said, includes the enhanced capacity of the ACC, oversight bodies including parliament, supreme, and authorities, and efficient implementation of the national anti-corruption strategy by relevant government institutions.
The TAIEX workshop is in line with the implementation of the National anti-corruption strategy and action plan, approved by the Cabinet in December 2021.
