Corruption remains a serious issue in Namibia, prompting the ongoing implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which aims to combat corruption across the country.

Regional bodies, like the Kavango West Regional Forum, play a critical role in monitoring the strategy's effectiveness.

In this context, the Kavango West Regional Forum met in Nkurenkuru to review and reflect on the 2021-2025 National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan.

Sirkka Ausiku, Governor of Kavango West Region and Chairperson of the Regional Forum, addressed the gathering, expressing concern about corruption in the region:

"It will be troubling if there is an increase in corruption cases reported to the Anti-Corruption Commission in our region. At the same time, it's concerning if no cases are reported, especially when social media often highlights allegations of corruption, particularly within our institutions."

Paulus Lyambezi, Senior Public Education and Corruption Prevention Officer, speaking on behalf of the ACC's Director General, urged leaders to actively implement the strategy's goals:

"This strategy is citizen-centered, promoting good corporate governance, ethics, transparency, integrity, and accountability in Namibia. As industry players and leaders in Kavango West, you have a crucial role in turning these goals into tangible solutions."

Linus Simataa, also a Senior Public Education and Corruption Prevention Officer, clarified the penalties for corruption offences:

"Financial penalties can reach up to N$500,000. For those who can't pay, the maximum prison sentence is 25 years, or in some cases, both a fine and imprisonment."

Despite progress, the Kavango West Regional Council's accountability report highlighted challenges, including work overload, which has hindered the integrity committee's ability to meet regularly.

Tapalo Petrus, Senior HR Practitioner at Kavango West Regional Council, explained:

"The workload has prevented the integrity committee from meeting as scheduled. Many of our activities are conducted outside the region, which is the main reason why the committee struggles to hold regular meetings."