Editorial: Charity must begin at the top
The auditor-general’s 2024 report exposes troubling irregularities in the Office of the President. At the centre is unauthorised expenditure of N$132 million – a staggering figure in any context – alongside the misuse of credit cards that reveals a worrying disregard for financial discipline.
The audit details how N$93 180 was withdrawn for gratuities without signed proof, how US$5 000 issued on a Russia trip left US$1 000 (N$17 970) unaccounted for, and how N$24 227.56 was paid for accommodation without an invoice.
More shocking still, during a Paris trip, the accommodation and meals of a non-government employee were charged to the presidency’s account, while a double payment of nearly N$1 million went through unchecked.
These figures may seem small against the national budget, but what counts is doing the right thing – even accounting for a single Namibia dollar. If irregularities are tolerated at the top, how can government demand accountability from ministries, councils or state-owned enterprises?
Charity must indeed begin at home. For Namibia, that home is the Presidency, which must lead by example in honesty, transparency and respect for every public cent.
The audit details how N$93 180 was withdrawn for gratuities without signed proof, how US$5 000 issued on a Russia trip left US$1 000 (N$17 970) unaccounted for, and how N$24 227.56 was paid for accommodation without an invoice.
More shocking still, during a Paris trip, the accommodation and meals of a non-government employee were charged to the presidency’s account, while a double payment of nearly N$1 million went through unchecked.
These figures may seem small against the national budget, but what counts is doing the right thing – even accounting for a single Namibia dollar. If irregularities are tolerated at the top, how can government demand accountability from ministries, councils or state-owned enterprises?
Charity must indeed begin at home. For Namibia, that home is the Presidency, which must lead by example in honesty, transparency and respect for every public cent.
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Namibian Sun
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