Katjimune questions continuous absenteeism of ministers in parliament

Popular Democratic Movement parliamentarian Maximalliant Katjimune said the consistent absence of ministers during Thursday’s parliament sessions severely undermines the effectiveness of fundamental principles and affects attempts to hold the government accountable.

Katjimune said this in parliament on Tuesday while giving his notice of question to prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila on the continuous absenteeism of some Cabinet ministers.

“Article 41 of the Namibian Constitution directs that “all ministers shall be accountable individually for the administration of the work of Cabinet, both to the president and to parliament,” Katjimune said.

He said parliament has designated Thursdays for the ministers to respond to questions presented by members of parliament.

“This is a critical juncture for exercising checks and balances, ensuring transparency and upholding accountability within our governance framework,” he said.

However, Katjimune said some ministers are consistently absent on Thursdays when it is time to reply to questions posed to them.

“During the previous session of parliament, 128 questions with notice were tabled, with only 57 being replied to, while 71 lapsed,” Katjimune said.

He said some ministers such as the prime minister, home affairs, immigration, safety and security; finance and public enterprises; urban and rural development; agriculture, water and land reform; environment, forestry and tourism, had the most lapsed questions from the previous session.

“Including the minister of higher education, training and innovation, who is consistently absent, especially on Thursdays,” he added.

Katjimune said as elected representatives, they bear the responsibility of ensuring the executive branch remains answerable to the public, which necessitates their active participation during parliamentary question time.

“The continuous lack of attendance by key executives on Thursdays raises substantial doubts about the government’s commitment to fostering an environment of openness and true democratic dialogue,” Katjimune said.

“The citizens of our nation deserve a government that values and actively participates in the democratic processes designed to ensure their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed,” he said.
Failure to address this critical issue with the urgency it warrants jeopardises the integrity and trust in the democratic system, he said.

Katjimune asked the prime minister if Cabinet condones this frivolous contravention of the Constitution, and what measures will be put to rectify this detrimental practice of absenteeism by the ministers on Thursdays and reaffirm the provisions of article 41, which speaks of ministerial accountability.