Media help to flag corruption cases - ACC
Tuyeimo HaidulaOSHAKATI
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Paulus Noa says the media plays a critical role in flagging incidences of corruption in both public and private institutions.Fighting corruption requires a multifaceted approach comprising all sectors of society, he said, and because the ACC cannot do it alone, it relies heavily on the media to help expose some of the corrupt activities in the country. He made the remarks recently during the first annual ACC media briefing held at Oshakati. Noa said investigating agencies without collaboration with the media may not successfully unravel all corrupt conduct. Some of the allegations of corruption investigated by ACC were first reported in the media, he said, and thereafter the institution followed up to take them on. Noa added that the anti-corruption law mandates the ACC to initiate investigations upon receipt of information backed by reasonable grounds. Namibian media plays a critical role because journalists and media houses operate in a free environment without intimidation or fear, helping to strength governance, the anti-graft boss said.
Political stability
Meanwhile, political stability in Namibia also provides a conducive environment for the media to contribute to democracy and good governance, Noa said. The ACC chief stressed that corruption is evil and must be confronted at all fronts, as it distorts economic and social development. The worst, he said, is that when corruption is institutionalised, public officials feel incentivised to get involved in more corrupt activities. Oshana governor Elia Irimari echoed Noa’s sentiments, saying the right of the media to expose injustice across the country should be defended and upheld at all costs.
He said media platforms are important stakeholders and play a vital role in investigative journalism, as well as educating the public - whether to shape or mirror society.
“As a region, we should have zero tolerance for corruption,” he said, adding that they should also embrace the principles of good governance and create a more robust system for accountability, transparency and integrity in the public and private sector. Irimari urged Namibians to refrain from involving themselves in corrupt activities, as it seriously disrupts the economy. He added that corruption affects the most vulnerable as well as those left furthest behind.
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Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) director general Paulus Noa says the media plays a critical role in flagging incidences of corruption in both public and private institutions.Fighting corruption requires a multifaceted approach comprising all sectors of society, he said, and because the ACC cannot do it alone, it relies heavily on the media to help expose some of the corrupt activities in the country. He made the remarks recently during the first annual ACC media briefing held at Oshakati. Noa said investigating agencies without collaboration with the media may not successfully unravel all corrupt conduct. Some of the allegations of corruption investigated by ACC were first reported in the media, he said, and thereafter the institution followed up to take them on. Noa added that the anti-corruption law mandates the ACC to initiate investigations upon receipt of information backed by reasonable grounds. Namibian media plays a critical role because journalists and media houses operate in a free environment without intimidation or fear, helping to strength governance, the anti-graft boss said.
Political stability
Meanwhile, political stability in Namibia also provides a conducive environment for the media to contribute to democracy and good governance, Noa said. The ACC chief stressed that corruption is evil and must be confronted at all fronts, as it distorts economic and social development. The worst, he said, is that when corruption is institutionalised, public officials feel incentivised to get involved in more corrupt activities. Oshana governor Elia Irimari echoed Noa’s sentiments, saying the right of the media to expose injustice across the country should be defended and upheld at all costs.
He said media platforms are important stakeholders and play a vital role in investigative journalism, as well as educating the public - whether to shape or mirror society.
“As a region, we should have zero tolerance for corruption,” he said, adding that they should also embrace the principles of good governance and create a more robust system for accountability, transparency and integrity in the public and private sector. Irimari urged Namibians to refrain from involving themselves in corrupt activities, as it seriously disrupts the economy. He added that corruption affects the most vulnerable as well as those left furthest behind.
[email protected]
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