Lifestyle audits the way to go

Political commentators are sceptic yet enthusiastic over President Hage Geingob’s revelation that public office bearers will be subjected to lifestyle audits.
Geingob, who is currently in the United Nations’ States for the 71st United Nations General Assembly as well as a series of media interviews and public lectures, was interviewed by Shaka Ssali on the Voice of America’s TV programme ‘Straight Talk Africa’.
According to Geingob his government is determined to eradicate poverty, but most importantly corruption. “We also have lifestyle audits. And this is going to be done, if your salary is this how do you live this kind of style, where are you getting the money from,” he said.
Geingob added that his government’s commitment was underscored by the fact that he as well as his ministers had declared their assets.
To date the only government minister that has publicly declared his assets is Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein, who did so more than a year after Geingob and his wife, Monica Geingos, declared their assets.
The majority members of parliament have declared their interests.
According to presidential spokesperson Albertus Aochamub, lifestyle audits can be randomly conducted or over a period of time in an effort to strengthen accountability, transparency and accountability.
“All public officials can be subjected to it in the same way that they are expected to declare their assets,” he explained.

Set an example
DTA MP Elma Dienda said it is a brilliant idea, but she believes Geingob must begin with his own “extravagant” lifestyle.


“He declared his assets but he never told us how he made his millions or where it is coming from. He is even renovating his home which was built just a few years ago with taxpayers’ money, but the state does not have money, what kind of lifestyle is that?” she asked.
Dienda added that Geingob must also audit his international trips including the current 24-day trip to America, which has been heavily criticised.
Meanwhile, social commentators said “seeing is believing” and that the idea can only work if it is in fact implemented.
Economist Dr Omu Kakujaha-Matundu argues that the public has the right to know what is done with their money, but he expressed doubt over the actual implementation.
“I have heard so many promises from government trying to promote transparency of public office bearers, but it can only work if we go by the word of the president and if it implemented,” he said.
He said officials entrusted with public funds must be open to scrutiny.
“When we see a minister driving a very posh vehicle we must be able to question it, and this will develop trust between government and citizens. There will also not be much resistance to paying taxes,” he said.
Kakujaha-Matundu argues that not only politicians but permanent secretaries, senior directors as well as senior staff in state-owned enterprises must be subjected to lifestyle audits.
According to Max Weylandt of the Institute of Public Policy and Research, lifestyle audits have been used with some success around the world.
“We have had a bunch of cases in Namibia where low-ranking civil servants have extravagant lifestyles with multiple homes and cars and it is clearly evident that they are not having a high enough salary from their jobs to justify this. So that would be a definite good start for investigation,” he said.
Weylandt argues that these audits must be extended from politicians to everyone that works with the taxpayer’s money.


JEMIMA BEUKES