I will not focus on past corruption – NNN

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) says she will focus on present instances of corruption, rather than focusing on past wrongs or incidents.

She said this on Tuesday during the first Cabinet meeting of her presidency in Windhoek at State House.

“I’m not going to follow things that happened before I was here, but things happening from 21 March – those I have to follow. I’m not going to witch-hunt anybody, but from now on, there should be no delay,” she said.

The president said that her government should prioritise effectively and efficiently addressing corruption. She also noted that a number of corporations, including foreign entities, have approached her following the November presidential and National Assembly elections, and that there are specific people asking for favours”.

She criticised any corruption and greed demonstrated by public servants, saying their actions discourage investment in the Namibian economy.

‘BUILD ON WHAT IS THERE’

The president reminded members of her Cabinet that they are not setting up the government from scratch, but are entering offices that have been running for years, encouraging ministers to build on existing foundations.

“I don’t want to hear anybody saying, ‘When I got into this office, I found nothing.’ That is not true. You just have to build on what you are finding there so that we can move and serve our people. Let us get on with the work in unison to bring about social progress and prosperity to our people, as they deserve it,” she said.

She urged the ministers to ensure that all public servants across government offices, ministries and agencies maintain high ethical standards at all times.

She added that ministries and offices must provide the best possible service timeously and without favoritism.

“As I have underscored in my inaugural speech, let me emphasise the fact that the attainment of sustainable economic development in Namibia can only be realized through an accountable and efficient administration.”

She acknowledged that there might be challenges regarding issues such as the pursuit of fair tax lending, but the government must confront them head-on.

NNN told the ministers to act decisively and with focus to deliver tangible and lasting changes in the socio-economic status of the people.

She maintained that Namibians do not expect anything less from them as they want to see tangible improvements in their material condition.

“We made a promise to improve their lives. I shall maintain a position that we are too few to be poor. We have a responsibility to deliver on our promises,” she said.

NNN urged ministers to hit the ground running to fulfill the mandate the people have bestowed on them.