Members of the National Assembly have called for a stronger fight against corruption.
MPs across the political divide have called for a stronger and more effective Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) during debate on the appointment of the commission’s new leadership.
While Parliament supported the appointments of Bryan Eiseb and Advocate Erna Lorraine van der Merwe, MPs used the debate to outline expectations for the ACC and the wider fight against corruption.
Swapo MP Werner Iita said the ACC’s primary objective is to combat and prevent corruption. AR MP Vaino Hangula noted that “twenty years later we sit with multiple corruption cases on our national consciousness", stressing the long-standing nature of the problem.
Fredrick Shitana of AR urged all Namibians to adhere to the law, while PDM MP Inna Hengari said the commission must remain “a fearless, professional and well-resourced institution capable of investigating corruption without fear or favour".
Official Opposition leader Immanuel Nashinge said lawmakers are “looking forward to a progressive ACC” that will effectively tackle corruption.
Swapo MP Iipumbu Shiimi warned that the ACC cannot act alone, saying the fight against corruption “needs all of us". IPC MP Lilian Lutuhezi broadened the definition of corruption to include cheating, abuse of authority, unfairness and denying equal treatment.
LPM MP Dawid Eigub cautioned against administrative overreach, saying some matters can be dealt with administratively.
SWANU leader Evilastus Kaaronda raised concerns about “excessive political interference” in the ACC’s affairs and urged safeguards against such interference.
Dr Tobie Aupindi of the Swapo Party said the institution should be led by “seriously highly reputable people.” APP leader Ambrosius Kumbwa called for grassroots empowerment through awareness to strengthen good governance.
LPM MP Utaara Mootu said the legitimacy of an anti-corruption institution depends not only on independence but also on its ability to demonstrate consistency, timelessness and transparency.
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa implored the new leadership “that they must not become weaponised against individuals for political or travel reasons".
Responding to the debate, Prime Minister Dr Elijah Ngurare thanked Members for their contributions and reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening institutions that uphold accountability and the rule of law. He said the ACC must be reinforced “both in terms of human as well as financial resources so that it can be able to do its work".