"We cannot sit down and let the situation of people paying themselves a lot of money and giving dividends of N$1 million to Government, when it suits their own interests, continue without being challenged," said Ndjambula.

Ndjambula also wanted the chief executive officers and managers of parastatals to change their attitudes so that they can focus on the interests of the people.

He made these remarks during debate on the State-Owned Enterprises Governance Amendment Bill in the National Council yesterday.

The amendment seeks to streamline the operations of SOEs.

Ndjambula said the amendment would ensure accountability and transparency.

Swapo's Willem Appolus accused SOEs of lacking community support while at times needing financial support from Government to bail them out of their financial problems.

Appolus said SOEs were also not giving enough scholarships to needy and deserving students to further their studies.

"Over the past years, it became very clear that only a few students receive financial assistance from some State-Owned Enterprises," said Appolus.

Sebastian Karupu (Swapo) wanted to know if employees of SOEs are part of the Public Service.

Local News Headlines Of The Last 48 Hours

•  Hishongwa hits out at 'newcomers'
•  Doctors to court over dispensing rights
•  Project money missing
•  N$20 000 fine for computer corruption
•  Police kill suspect after 'struggle'
•  Union wants NHE bosses' heads
•  2008 a year of political violence: DTA
•  Gender violence takes centre stage
•  Employers of disabled people awarded
•  Closure of copper mines adds gloom to Nam mining outlook
•  78 Zim farmers win land case
•  Floodgates open over Windhoek
•  Everyone except Swapo to blame for the violence, claims President