EDITORIAL: Corruption as treason – from words to deeds

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made a bold and consistent declaration on corruption.



From public rallies to state functions, she has repeated this refrain, reminding Namibians that graft is not merely about stolen money but about betraying the nation’s trust and sabotaging its development.



In a country where citizens endure poverty, unemployment and poor services, her framing resonates powerfully.



Yet words, no matter how strong, cannot fight corruption on their own. For her call to carry weight, it must be matched by action.



This requires laws that define corruption in line with her treason analogy and institutions empowered to prosecute without fear or favour.

It also requires resources, including investigators, auditors, prosecutors and judges who are trained and protected from political pressure.



Without this, the message risks becoming symbolic rather than transformative.



The president has set a high moral and political standard.



Now her administration must ensure the country’s legal framework and anti-graft agencies are equipped to meet it.



Namibians will judge not the power of her words but the strength of her deeds. Anything less risks turning a bold vision into empty rhetoric.