EDITORIAL: The danger of governing by ministerial instruction

There is a delicate balance between government's responsibility to oversee local authorities and the independence municipalities require to discharge their duties. When that balance is disrupted, governance risks becoming an exercise in following instructions rather than applying the law.Ministers have legitimate responsibilities to ensure that local authorities operate within the law, manage public resources responsibly and protect residents from administrative failures. However, oversight must be exercised through established legal procedures rather than directives that leave councils uncertain about their powers and obligations.Municipal councils are entrusted with decisions affecting contracts, service delivery, finances and the daily lives of residents. Those responsibilities require independent judgement, proper consultation and careful consideration of legal consequences.Equally, local autonomy cannot become an excuse for ignoring lawful oversight or protecting questionable decisions from scrutiny.The difficulty arises when political authority and administrative responsibility overlap without clear accountability. Residents may ultimately bear the consequences through disrupted services, prolonged litigation and unnecessary expenditure.Namibia's system of local governance depends on both effective national oversight and responsible municipal leadership. Neither should undermine the other.The law, rather than the authority of whoever issues the instruction, must remain the foundation of every public decision.

EDITORIAL: The danger of governing by ministerial instruction

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-21

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EDITORIAL: The danger of governing by ministerial instruction

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-21

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