McNab, Noa stress collective action against corruption

MARIENTAL, 24 MAR (NAMPA) – Hardap Governor Riaan McNab has called for strengthened stakeholder collaboration and increased public participation in efforts to combat corruption, describing it as a serious threat to Namibia’s development and socio-economic stability.
Speaking at a regional consultative meeting held in Mariental on Monday on the development of the Third National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2026–2030) and the Draft National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy Framework, McNab said the expiry of the current strategy in March 2026 presents an opportunity to craft a more responsive and inclusive roadmap.
He emphasised that engagement by regional stakeholders is critical to ensure the new strategy reflects realities on the ground and addresses community-specific challenges. McNab warned that corruption undermines service delivery, deepens inequality and erodes public trust in institutions.
“Your perspectives and recommendations are vital to crafting a strategy that reflects the realities on the ground,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director-General Paulus Noa said the third national strategy is being developed alongside the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy, which will guide ethical conduct, transparency and accountability in public service.
Noa noted that since its establishment in 2006, the ACC has carried out awareness campaigns, investigations and consultations that informed the first two national strategies. While progress has been made in strengthening institutional collaboration, challenges remain in the full implementation of some measures.
Providing an overview of the draft policy framework, Noa said it seeks to reinforce principles such as integrity, fairness, impartiality and accountability, while promoting preventative measures against corruption across all sectors.
He added that the policy aligns with regional and international instruments, including the SADC Protocol against Corruption and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
“Corruption and mismanagement of public resources is a cancer that eats at the moral fabric of society,” Noa said.
Community members raised concerns about procurement irregularities, alleged bribery in employment processes, lack of accountability in community trusts and limited access to anti-corruption services in the region.
They also called for the decentralisation of ACC offices and the creation of confidential platforms to enable youth to report corruption without fear.
Noa said input from the consultations will be consolidated into a draft for submission to Cabinet.
(NAMPA)
GJ/AS