Pohamba launches corruption's zero tolerance campaign

President Hifikepunye Pohamba this week launched Namibia's zero tolerance for corruption campaign, and reiterated that his government would strive for good governance, transparency, accountability and honesty.

He said these were necessary for socio-economic development of Namibia and in uplifting the living standards of the nation. Since ascending into power in March last year, President Pohamba has been quite vocal about corruption and has warned that his government will not hesitate to take stern action against those implicated in corrupt activities. Pohamba stressed the importance of trust and called on leaders to desist from carrying out duties for personal gain. “As leaders we are duty bound to work towards the realisation of participatory democracy,” he said.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that the people are not mere spectators but active participants in the process of governance and in the shaping of their own destiny.
“It is our wish to see more citizen participation and involvement in policy issues that not only affect their everyday lives, but also have a direct impact on the future of our country,” said Pohamba. Since the enactment of the Anti-corruption Act in 2004, the government has put the necessary mechanisms in place to pursue the policy of zero tolerance. The Anti-corruption Commission, whose mission is to fight corruption practices, was inaugurated in February this year. President Pohamba said, “We expect the Commission to carry out its mandate forcefully, without fear or favour.” He stated how pleased he was that government departments, civil society organisations and development co-operation partners have joined hands to drive the message home.
The campaign brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders from all spheres of the Namibian society.

“I believe that this broad alliance against corruption will go a long way in Complementing government efforts to create an ethical society, in which honesty, transparency and accountability are the norms, not the expectations,” President Pohamba said. He urged all stakeholders to become active in shaping Namibia's future, saying that the campaign is one vivid example demonstrating the willingness of society to contribute tangibly to the objectives of the nations common objectives. President Pohamba said that he hopes that this “campaign will reach the four corners of our country and thereby sensitise our people, creating awareness among our people so that they can fight corruption in their own localities.”