Hamutumwa demands merit-based appointments, warns against corruption

TUYEIMO HAIDULA

Ohangwena regional governor Kadiva Hamutumwa has issued a stern warning to public servants and public enterprise employees in the region, calling for merit-based appointments, zero tolerance for corruption and a renewed focus on service delivery in 2026.

Addressing civil servants and public enterprise employees during a regional engagement on Thursday, Hamutumwa said government offices must prioritise professionalism, accountability and measurable results, adding that poor customer care, unnecessary delays, abuse of authority and indifference to community needs are unacceptable.

“Service delivery must remain at the centre of everything we do,” she said. “The people of Ohangwena expect results - not promises; action - not explanations.”

Hamutumwa stressed that recruitment in the public service should be based strictly on competence, integrity and the ability to deliver outcomes, rather than favouritism or personal connections.

“We need people who can perform, not ‘busy buddies’ or favoured appointees,” she said, emphasising that formal qualifications alone are not sufficient without professionalism and the right attitude.

Drawing lessons from Singapore’s public administration model, she said effective service delivery is possible when institutions place citizens first and enforce discipline, meritocracy and ethical conduct. While acknowledging different socio-economic contexts, she said the underlying principles of accountability and integrity remain universal.

Hamutumwa reminded officials that the Public Service Charter of Namibia and the Public Service Pocket Guide are binding frameworks guiding conduct in government institutions. She said ethical behaviour, transparency, responsiveness and respect for citizens are obligations - not optional principles.

She further called on ministries, agencies and public enterprises to break down institutional silos and strengthen teamwork to improve coordinated service delivery across the region.

Outlining priorities for 2026, Hamutumwa identified four strategic projects aligned with Vision 2030 and National Development Plan 6 (NDP6). These include the establishment of a textile manufacturing factory to boost industrialisation and job creation; a large-scale agricultural project in Ekoka to enhance food security; commencement of construction of a Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) campus in Eenhana to expand access to higher education; and intensified water supply projects to strengthen water security across the region.

She said these initiatives are not solely the responsibility of the Governor’s Office, but require collective effort from public servants, public enterprises, traditional leaders, the private sector and civil society.

Hamutumwa emphasised that authority must be matched by accountability. She called for strict compliance with performance agreements and governance frameworks, adding that underperformance must be addressed through corrective action and consequence management.

“Performance must be measured not only through financial statements, but through service delivery outcomes, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction,” she said.