The best method to increase awareness about corruption is when the nation at all levels takes part and sets the agenda for promoting good governance.

This was said by the Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Paulus Noa, at the official launch of the Anti-Corruption Song Competition at NBC's Studio 4.

The secondary school competition aims to harness the power of art and raise awareness about corruption, its detrimental effects on society, and the need for collective action to combat it.

According to Noa, the project will provide a platform for learners to air their voices on the impact of corruption and propose solutions.

"I just wish to reiterate that by organising this competition, we aim to empower our youth and provide them with a platform to express their opinions and contribute to the fight against corruption. Their voices have the power to influence and shape public opinion, and through their songs, they can inspire others to join this noble cause."

Noa noted that the idea of a song competition is an initiative of ACC and the stakeholders responsible for monitoring the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan.

Noa explained that during the competition, schools will participate in three categories.

For the first and second categories, they will sing already-composed songs, while in the third category, the school must compose their own song, which can be done in any local language.

"The songs composed for this competition should aim to ignite a sense of awareness and provoke conversations around this pressing issue. We encourage participants to delve deep into the various aspects of corruption and its impact on society. Let us engrave the message of the songs in the memory of the learners and let them fully understand the meaning of every word in the songs."

Also speaking at the launch, Minister of Education, Arts, and Culture Anna Nghipondoka emphasised the need to educate the public about the negative effects of corruption on society.

"Educating the public on the evils and dangers caused by corruption is fundamental to creating awareness of the importance of upholding ethics and integrity. I love those terms, ethics, and integrity, in our daily interactions with society."

Nghipondoka said the aim is not only to raise awareness but also to remind citizens, policymakers, and decision-makers that they have a responsibility to work in unison, speak with one voice against corruption, and promote good governance.

The nbc Director General, Stanley Similo, offered the corporations platforms for use by the organisers of the competition to facilitate the process of getting their message out to the public.

"We see the launch as part of our extension in making sure that we create a Namibia that will be free of this insidious plague of corruption. We have seen what this can do; we are one way or another affected by it. We cannot be silent partners. And part of this platform we are having will ensure that information of this nature is carried out to all."

The regional-level competition has already kicked off, with a total of 55 schools from thirteen regions registered.

The schools from the regions will have to compete to select a winning school from each region to represent the region at the national level on September 15 at Swakopmund.