Niël Terblanché
Namibia’s new administration is committed to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, while addressing the first general staff meeting at State House on Thursday, urged staff in the Office of the President to hold themselves to the highest ethical standards while they are in the service of the Namibian people.
Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed that those entrusted with public service must act with integrity, transparency and humility, without expecting anything in return.
“Let us hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and expect nothing in return in our quest to provide timely and excellent services to all Namibians, visiting guests and investors to our country,” she said.
She also called the meeting an important moment for alignment and renewed purpose.
Nandi-Ndaitwah described it as the beginning of the first steps in an important journey that we must walk together as a team.
The meeting was also an opportunity to introduce new staff from Petroleum Affairs and the Directorates of Marginalised and Disabilities Affairs, following the recent restructuring of the government.
Nandi-Ndaitwah connected the work of the Presidency to the broader vision laid out in the Swapo Party Manifesto: “Unity in Diversity: Natural Resources Beneficiation and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.”
“This forms my contract with the electorate who voted me into office as Namibia’s fifth Head of State,” she said.
The President urged her staff to approach their duties with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to service delivery, underpinned by a team spirit.
“Our work here at State House demands teamwork, collaboration and the creation of synergies among staff members, Divisions, Directorates and Departments in order to get things done on time and within budget,” she said.
Addressing the reforms taking place in government, Nandi-Ndaitwah encouraged her team to see them as tools to enhance efficiency.
She urged staff to build institutions that thrive on capability and innovation, warning against any form of undue influence.
“There is no room for favouritism, or any undue influence, be it from the investors, citizens or external forces in exchange for service delivery,” she said.
While reiterating the importance of transparency and accountability, she told staff: “Everything we do must be in the public’s best interest, for the public good and the social progress and shared prosperity of Namibians.”
The President called for unity and shared purpose, invoking the principle of “One Heart and One Mind” as a guide for the work ahead.
“We must work together and consult one another as a team to execute our various respective functions and duties. I am confident that together, we will make the difference that the people of Namibia expect from us,” she said.
