Allexer Namundjembo
With the tenure of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director-General Paulus Noa set to end this month, a growing number of voices are calling for new leadership at the agency.
Noa, who has led the ACC since its inception in February 2006, is completing his fourth five-year term later this month.
His anticipated departure has opened a debate over the future direction of the institution.
Former member of parliament Hidipo Hamata said the leadership change presents “a clear opportunity to strengthen” the Commission.
Speaking to the Windhoek Observer, Hamata endorsed legal practitioner Norman Tjombe for the role, describing him as “a principled, competent, and highly capable legal mind who could bring renewed credibility, independence, and firmness to the Commission.”
“At this stage in the country’s anti-corruption efforts, leadership must be guided by integrity, courage, and a proven commitment to the rule of law,” Hamata said.
“Appointing someone of his calibre would send a strong signal of seriousness in the fight against corruption.”
The call was echoed by Affirmative Repositioning member of parliament Job Amupanda, who confirmed on Tuesday that his party is engaging government, particularly Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, to ensure the positions of Director-General and Deputy Director-General of the ACC are advertised.
“They are coming to an end in June/July. They are supposed to be advertised long ago,” Amupanda wrote on social media.
He said engagements so far are “good and promising in national interest,” but added that “politics being politics we will see the actual results.”
Noa was reappointed by the National Assembly in July 2021 following a six-month acting appointment. His current term marks 20 consecutive years in the role.
Policy analyst Kleopas Shivute agreed that the government should have already advertised Noa’s position.
“He has done his part. I’ll be disappointed if he is reappointed again,” Shivute told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday.
“The institution was dying under him and we need someone who can revive it and bring back the public’s trust.”
Shivute added that there are capable candidates who may wish to apply for the position.
The push for new leadership comes amid ongoing public debate over the ACC’s effectiveness and calls for greater transparency in appointments to key oversight bodies.
