The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Ruth Masake, has cautioned her senior management against corruption. 

The deputy minister made the remarks at the five-day strategic planning workshop for the ministry at Swakopmund.

Masake said Namibia needs results, and it is time for the senior managers to act with urgency.

"We are public servants. Our loyalty must lie with the people of Namibia. In all our dealings, let us uphold the highest standards of integrity. I want to take this moment to unequivocally caution against corruption in any form. Whether through procurement, recruitment, land allocation, fishery quota allocation or service delivery. Corruption undermines justice, destroys public trust and steals opportunity from those who need it the most."

The senior managers are expected to define the direction, priorities and impact of the newly expanded ministry.

Masake stressed that the five-year strategic plan must align with the National Development Plan 6 and promises made to the people through the Swapo Party manifesto. 

She cited the strategic areas the ministry should focus on, which include agricultural productivity, acceleration of land reform and development of the blue economy. Further urging public enterprises, commissions and advisory councils under the ministry to review and align their plans with the new strategic plan.

"It is imperative that these institutions do not operate in silos or pursue fragmented agendas. Instead, their efforts must form part of a cohesive, well-coordinated national push toward sustainable development and inclusive growth. I charge the directorate of planning and business development with a central coordinating role."

Masake does not want duplication and inefficiencies because, she stressed, every Namibian dollar invested must yield maximum developmental returns.