Lagging anti-graft campaign

Corruption remains public enemy number one in many developing countries, and Namibia is no exception. There have been many concerns regarding the rampant abuse of power for self-gratification especially in government where taxpayers' money is often involved. Concerns are that there are no resolute efforts to fight corruption, especially at the highest level. A week hardly passes without reports of corruption in government and State-owned enterprises. Glaring cases of corruption have disappeared into thin air, with the well-connected politicians and officials getting away scot-free in the process. This year's closure of the SME Bank due to corruption is just one of many examples. In yesterday's edition, finance minister Calle Schlettwein didn't have kind words for the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), labelling it weak, and saying that there was a need for the anti-graft body to enjoy full autonomy. Corruption is entrenched within the system of governance, unfortunately, and we continue to read reports of the abuse of State funds by officials and their proxies. Yet nothing much is done to crack the whip on poorly performing ministries, government offices and agencies and corrupt officials. There are those that fear political interference is the order of the day in the ACC's work. This remains just an allegation at this stage. However, the question that we must ask ourselves is whether there is political commitment to tackle corruption in the public service by promoting a culture of moral and ethical behaviour. What role does the Office of the Ombudsman play in this regard? As 'public protector' is the ombudsman lacking executive authority to complement the fight against corruption? To us there appears to be a lax attitude coupled by lax prosecution of glaring instances of corruption. The effects of corruption are personal and they are devastating. Corruption is an enemy of the poor and as a nation we must ensure that our anti-corruption policies are strengthened in ensuring there is genuine progress in nipping it in the bud. Together, we must fight it tooth and nail.