The Justice Minister, Yvonne Dausab, has addressed concerns around the operationalisation of the Whistleblower Protection Act and the Witness Protection Act in the National Assembly. 

"The importance of these two pieces of legislation in the fight against corruption in all its forms cannot be underestimated. In a world where corruption persists as a global challenge, these laws stand as beacons of hope, reflecting our unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in Namibia."

These laws, despite being promulgated in 2017, have not yet been fully implemented. She attributed the delays to inadequate budget allocation, with only N$50 million having been allocated in the current financial year.

"The Witness Protection Unit will require approximately N$160 million per annum. This substantial financial commitment underscores our dedication to providing a safe haven for witnesses, who play a pivotal role in upholding justice. We recognize the financial magnitude of this endeavor, and we're committed to securing the necessary resources to ensure its success. By the end of the current financial year, the law will have been operationalised, key staff will have been appointed and trained, and office space will have been procured.

There is also a need for infrastructure, human resources, and leadership to inspire trust among potential whistleblowers.

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Serafia Nadunya