Niël Terblanché
Namibians must remain resilient and dedicated to the principles of good governance and rededicate themselves to the fight against corruption and at the same time promote transparency, accountability, and integrity.
The Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Paulus Noa made this call during the official start of a regional forum held with key stakeholders of the Omusati region on Tuesday.
He reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to fighting corruption through the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan (NACSAP) 2021-2025.
Noa said that the forum is a critical step toward promoting good governance and ensuring accountability in all sectors of Namibian society.
“This forum is a vital step towards the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan. The strategy is aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and resistance to corruption in Namibia’s public and private sectors,” he said.
According to Noa, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan, approved in December 2021, is a comprehensive effort to address corruption at all levels of government and society.
With eight strategic objectives and 95 actionable steps being implemented by 44 lead institutions, the plan is a key part of Namibia’s broader efforts to strengthen governance.
Noa explained that one of the core elements of the strategy is the hosting of Regional Forums, which are chaired by regional governors.
“These forums provide platforms for public participation, allowing citizens from all regions to be informed about the progress of the strategy’s implementation. Good governance at local and regional authorities is key to economic development,” Noa said.
He also reiterated the importance of public ownership and accountability in the fight against corruption.
Noa provided an overview of the strategy’s progress, noting that during the 2022/2023 financial year, 87 of the 95 actions outlined in NACSAP were successfully implemented.
Six regional forums had already been held across the country, with the Omusati forum being the seventh.
Noa praised the commitment shown by the Omusati Regional Governor’s Office, even amidst the political pressures of the election season.
He warned of the economic and social damage caused by corrupt practices and added that corruption undermines national development, draining resources from vital sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, all of which are critical to improving the standard of living for Namibians.
“Corruption is the mother of all moral decay. It is destructive to development, and it exacerbates poverty and inequality,” he stated.
Noa stressed the importance of ensuring that the natural resources of Namibia are utilized for the benefit of all its citizens, not just a privileged few.
He also cautioned against allowing corrupt practices to take root in society, which could lead to widespread instability.
He said that NACSAP will focus on legal and policy reforms.
Noa also called for a deeper transformation in the mindset and values of the Namibian people.
“It is not only about redefining laws and policies, but we must also transform our hearts and mindset,” he said while advocating for a renewed sense of moral integrity as essential to nation-building and economic growth.
He expressed hope that forums like the one in Omusati would provide an opportunity for public discourse on governance and allow citizens to voice their concerns and aspirations.
Noa added that the ACC would continue to prioritize public engagement in its efforts to strengthen governance and fight corruption.
