Dissolution of the engineering council raises more questions
Ben Uugwanga
Did works minister Veikko Nekundi act procedurally and ethically when he recently dissolved the Engineering Council of Namibia (ECN)? Judging from The Evening Review interview of 1 July 2025 between Sophia Tekie and Toivo Ndjebela, the minister’s decision raises more questions than it answers - especially regarding the implications for the integrity and future of the engineering profession.
Leadership in any sphere must be anchored in professionalism, ethical standards, and integrity. In the case of the ECN, the decision to dissolve the body should have been guided by objectivity and an ability to distinguish between legitimate concerns and opportunistic lobbying by individuals who may not prioritise the long-term health of the profession. There is a danger of the engineering field being hijacked by mediocrity - fuelled by tenderpreneurs and self-interested actors masquerading as reformers.
From the interview, it appears the council is being scapegoated, with critics levelling accusations rooted in xenophobia, racism, and ethnic bias. These claims, suggesting that Namibians are being unfairly sidelined in the engineering sector, require empirical evidence if they are to be taken seriously. While it’s true that Namibians have increasingly secured engineering contracts as both lead contractors and subcontractors, the results have been mixed.
Unfortunately, some of these contractors have failed to meet client expectations. Instances of shoddy workmanship - such as the use of substandard materials leading to structural defects shortly after project completion - reflect a worrying trend. These outcomes often stem from greed rather than a genuine commitment to quality. A notable example is NamWater’s decision to halt the awarding of northern water engineering projects to certain local contractors due to repeated construction failures.
Let it be clear: empowerment is not the issue. This article is not an attack on black or emerging engineers. Rather, it is a call for all engineers - regardless of background - to uphold the standards of the profession. True empowerment must be earned through accredited qualifications, practical experience, a track record of competent delivery, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Chasing inflated salaries and luxurious lifestyles without first proving one’s capabilities only harms the profession.
The engineering field is highly technical and outcomes are governed by rigorous standards. Those tasked with leading its regulation must have the requisite education, experience, and skill. It is misguided to believe that one can set the engineering agenda for Namibia without these fundamentals. Globally, countries with advanced engineering capacity have invested heavily in training, benchmarking, and partnerships to ensure skills transfer and quality assurance.
Currently, there seems to be an automatic and uncritical response to cries of racism, ethnicity, or misogyny - without due diligence to assess the merits and motivations behind such claims. The outgoing Council is being vilified by individuals seemingly more concerned with personal gain - be it through salaries or contract awards - than with upholding the profession’s standards.
If we are not vigilant, we risk institutionalising mediocrity at the expense of quality and public safety. The ministry of works must not allow itself to be swayed by emotion or populist narratives. The outgoing ECN board deserves a fair hearing. Namibia cannot afford to replace technical competence with political expediency, especially in a sector that directly impacts infrastructure, safety, and development.
Did works minister Veikko Nekundi act procedurally and ethically when he recently dissolved the Engineering Council of Namibia (ECN)? Judging from The Evening Review interview of 1 July 2025 between Sophia Tekie and Toivo Ndjebela, the minister’s decision raises more questions than it answers - especially regarding the implications for the integrity and future of the engineering profession.
Leadership in any sphere must be anchored in professionalism, ethical standards, and integrity. In the case of the ECN, the decision to dissolve the body should have been guided by objectivity and an ability to distinguish between legitimate concerns and opportunistic lobbying by individuals who may not prioritise the long-term health of the profession. There is a danger of the engineering field being hijacked by mediocrity - fuelled by tenderpreneurs and self-interested actors masquerading as reformers.
From the interview, it appears the council is being scapegoated, with critics levelling accusations rooted in xenophobia, racism, and ethnic bias. These claims, suggesting that Namibians are being unfairly sidelined in the engineering sector, require empirical evidence if they are to be taken seriously. While it’s true that Namibians have increasingly secured engineering contracts as both lead contractors and subcontractors, the results have been mixed.
Unfortunately, some of these contractors have failed to meet client expectations. Instances of shoddy workmanship - such as the use of substandard materials leading to structural defects shortly after project completion - reflect a worrying trend. These outcomes often stem from greed rather than a genuine commitment to quality. A notable example is NamWater’s decision to halt the awarding of northern water engineering projects to certain local contractors due to repeated construction failures.
Let it be clear: empowerment is not the issue. This article is not an attack on black or emerging engineers. Rather, it is a call for all engineers - regardless of background - to uphold the standards of the profession. True empowerment must be earned through accredited qualifications, practical experience, a track record of competent delivery, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Chasing inflated salaries and luxurious lifestyles without first proving one’s capabilities only harms the profession.
The engineering field is highly technical and outcomes are governed by rigorous standards. Those tasked with leading its regulation must have the requisite education, experience, and skill. It is misguided to believe that one can set the engineering agenda for Namibia without these fundamentals. Globally, countries with advanced engineering capacity have invested heavily in training, benchmarking, and partnerships to ensure skills transfer and quality assurance.
Currently, there seems to be an automatic and uncritical response to cries of racism, ethnicity, or misogyny - without due diligence to assess the merits and motivations behind such claims. The outgoing Council is being vilified by individuals seemingly more concerned with personal gain - be it through salaries or contract awards - than with upholding the profession’s standards.
If we are not vigilant, we risk institutionalising mediocrity at the expense of quality and public safety. The ministry of works must not allow itself to be swayed by emotion or populist narratives. The outgoing ECN board deserves a fair hearing. Namibia cannot afford to replace technical competence with political expediency, especially in a sector that directly impacts infrastructure, safety, and development.
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