Niël Terblanché
On the commemoration of International Anti-Corruption Day, President Hage Geingob called on the world to unite against corruption
He stressed the devastating effects on disadvantaged and poor people and added that there is an urgent need for Namibia to be free of corruption.
This global observance of International Anti-Corruption Day occurs on 9 December each year to raise awareness about the damaging impacts of corruption on societies and economies worldwide.
This year’s theme, ‘UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World against Corruption,’ accentuates the importance of global collaboration in combating corruption.
President Geingob stressed the significance of this milestone and highlighted Namibia’s dedication to maintaining integrity, transparency, and accountability across all sectors. He outlined five strategic pillars that form the backbone of Namibia’s anti-corruption efforts: Prevention, Public Education, Law Enforcement, Deterrence, and Harmonization.
According to the President, corruption undermines trust in institutions, hampers economic development, erodes social justice, and poses a significant threat to democracy and the rule of law.
“To tackle this pervasive issue, Namibia has enacted robust legislation, including the Anti-Corruption Act 8 of 2003, the Prevention of Organized Crime Act 29 of 2004, the Financial Intelligence Act 13 of 2012, and the Whistleblower Protection Act 10 of 2017,” he said.
The president stressed the crucial role of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) at the national level.
“The ACC plays a crucial role in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, sending a resolute message that Namibia has zero tolerance for corrupt activities,” he said.
Geingob added that the second National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan (NACSAP) 2021–2025 serves as a comprehensive blueprint for the nation’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption effectively.
He acknowledged that corruption is a global issue, but he emphasized the importance of concerted efforts to make Namibia a corruption-free country.
“As a young nation, Namibia stands united with the international community in reaffirming its commitment to combating corruption in all its forms,” he said.
According to the President, International Anti-Corruption Day serves as a call to action for individuals, institutions, and nations to come together in the fight against corruption, promote transparency, and uphold ethical values in both the public and private sectors.
President Geingob reiterated the urgent need for unity and shared responsibility in fostering a world free from corruption, where integrity and accountability prevail.
