Ngurare says public service must do better

Recruitment delays, weak performance management and disconnected systems are undermining public service delivery, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has warned.

In a no-holds-barred assessment of the public service last week, the premier said failures to manage employee performance and connect government systems continue to frustrate service delivery.

“Our success must not be judged solely by whether internal procedures have been followed. We must also consider whether citizens receive the services they need efficiently, fairly and respectfully,” he said.

“When recruitment takes unnecessarily long, important positions remain vacant and institutional capacity is weakened,” Ngurare added.

“When government systems are disconnected, citizens experience delays and are often required to make repeated visits to obtain services,” he added.

Ultimately, he said, the success of public sector reform “should be measured by tangible improvements in the quality, efficiency and fairness of services provided to Namibians”.

Happy citizens

The remarks place the spotlight on administrative weaknesses that can leave citizens waiting for essential services while government pursues its Sixth National Development Plan, he added.

The plan prioritises wealth creation, reducing inequality and creating employment opportunities,

In May, the Public Service Commission reportedly audited 796 personnel files out of 10 410 staff members across 10 offices, ministries, agencies and regional councils during the 2024/25 financial year.

The commission raised concerns about compliance with recruitment procedures and delays in receiving information from government institutions.

Ngurare said the consequences extend beyond internal administration, warning that poor coordination and a lack of transparency can undermine public confidence. “When decisions are made without sufficient transparency, public confidence and trust are undermined,” he said.

Open doors

The prime minister also called for stronger pathways into employment.

“Young Namibians cannot gain the experience required by employers if they are never given an opportunity to begin their careers,” he said.

He urged employers and institutions to strengthen internships, apprenticeships, graduate development programmes, mentorship initiatives and entry-level employment.

His call comes as the government continues to grapple with fiscal constraints and pressure to create employment opportunities.

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