Skyf: President tells rogue civil servants to quit
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, in her address to government employees, has warned that there will be "consequences for non-performance and non-effective service delivery" under her administration.
Speaking in Windhoek on Thursday, the head of state said the days of complacency and entitlement in government offices are over.
“If you do not have passion for the people, if you see citizens as a burden, and if you believe your office is a space for your personal comfort zone for enrichment or side businesses, then you are at a wrong place,” the President declared.
“Create space for those who are ready to serve the public.”
The president’s statement comes amid growing public frustration over poor service delivery, corruption, and an unsustainable wage bill in government. Namibia’s civil service, comprising over 100,000 employees, consumes more than N$35 billion annually in salaries - nearly half the national budget.
“We have heard the complaints of poor service, inaccessibility, and rude officials. This is not how the servants of people must serve people,” she said, demanding “immediate change”.
Civil servants were reminded of the substantial benefits they receive, including medical aid - costing taxpayers over N$3.6 billion annually - housing and vehicle allowances, career development opportunities, and access to pension funds.
“Self-enrichment at the expense of the public is a breach of contract and a betrayal of the nation’s trust,” the President warned.
Citing the importance of reforms aligned with the Swapo manifesto implementation plan and the upcoming National Development Plan 6 (NDP6), the president made it clear that public service is not a place for “lazy, disinterested, or corrupt” individuals. Those unwilling to join the “transformation wagon” were told to reconsider their place in the system.
“We do not have time to waste. We must move with the wagon, swiftly and with purpose. If you are ready to be part of this transformation, you are welcome on board. If not, you must re-evaluate your purpose in the public service.”
“We are too few to be poor,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, calling for unity, innovation, and ethical service delivery. She added that corruption should be understood “as tantamount to treason”.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged public servants to adopt a citizen-centric approach and warned that the government “must not fail those it has sworn to serve”. Those who continue to betray public trust, she suggested, should step aside or face consequences.
Speaking in Windhoek on Thursday, the head of state said the days of complacency and entitlement in government offices are over.
“If you do not have passion for the people, if you see citizens as a burden, and if you believe your office is a space for your personal comfort zone for enrichment or side businesses, then you are at a wrong place,” the President declared.
“Create space for those who are ready to serve the public.”
The president’s statement comes amid growing public frustration over poor service delivery, corruption, and an unsustainable wage bill in government. Namibia’s civil service, comprising over 100,000 employees, consumes more than N$35 billion annually in salaries - nearly half the national budget.
“We have heard the complaints of poor service, inaccessibility, and rude officials. This is not how the servants of people must serve people,” she said, demanding “immediate change”.
Civil servants were reminded of the substantial benefits they receive, including medical aid - costing taxpayers over N$3.6 billion annually - housing and vehicle allowances, career development opportunities, and access to pension funds.
“Self-enrichment at the expense of the public is a breach of contract and a betrayal of the nation’s trust,” the President warned.
Citing the importance of reforms aligned with the Swapo manifesto implementation plan and the upcoming National Development Plan 6 (NDP6), the president made it clear that public service is not a place for “lazy, disinterested, or corrupt” individuals. Those unwilling to join the “transformation wagon” were told to reconsider their place in the system.
“We do not have time to waste. We must move with the wagon, swiftly and with purpose. If you are ready to be part of this transformation, you are welcome on board. If not, you must re-evaluate your purpose in the public service.”
“We are too few to be poor,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, calling for unity, innovation, and ethical service delivery. She added that corruption should be understood “as tantamount to treason”.
Nandi-Ndaitwah urged public servants to adopt a citizen-centric approach and warned that the government “must not fail those it has sworn to serve”. Those who continue to betray public trust, she suggested, should step aside or face consequences.
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