Graft the scourge of Africa

CORRUPTION is a threat to good governance and the poor suffer the most when it takes root, says Anti-Corruption Commission Director Paulus Noa.

Noa made these remarks yesterday at a one-day anti-corruption seminar held at Keetmanshoop. The event was attended by Government department heads, regional and local councillors, community members and traditional leaders.Noa called on taxpayers to show zero tolerance for corruption.He said corruption had the potential to harm a country’s socio-economic growth and also hampered competition and reduced efficiency.”Corruption, therefore is regarded as the most destructive element in developing countries such as Namibia,” he said.”Namibia is not an exception unless all of us, whether Government institutions, private sector, media or civil organisations, put together hands in order to form a strong team to fight corruption,” he added.Noa also sent a stern warning to those abusing Government property, saying the ACC would leave no stone unturned in dealing with them.”Arrest those culprits, impound the vehicles and throw away the keys,” Noa urged Police officers who attended.He reiterated that corruption would not be condoned in an era of transparency, accountability and integrity.In his welcoming remarks, Karas Governor Dawid Boois urged participants to put in place strict checks and balances in their daily duties to stem corruption.Speaking at the same event, Keetmanshoop Mayor Simon Petrus Tiboth called on leaders to continue dedicating resources to investigating and eradicating public corruption.”For if we in positions of public trust do not help, Anti-Corruption on its own will not be able to effectively fight the scourge of corruption,” he said.The event was attended by Government department heads, regional and local councillors, community members and traditional leaders.Noa called on taxpayers to show zero tolerance for corruption.He said corruption had the potential to harm a country’s socio-economic growth and also hampered competition and reduced efficiency.”Corruption, therefore is regarded as the most destructive element in developing countries such as Namibia,” he said.”Namibia is not an exception unless all of us, whether Government institutions, private sector, media or civil organisations, put together hands in order to form a strong team to fight corruption,” he added.Noa also sent a stern warning to those abusing Government property, saying the ACC would leave no stone unturned in dealing with them. “Arrest those culprits, impound the vehicles and throw away the keys,” Noa urged Police officers who attended.He reiterated that corruption would not be condoned in an era of transparency, accountability and integrity.In his welcoming remarks, Karas Governor Dawid Boois urged participants to put in place strict checks and balances in their daily duties to stem corruption.Speaking at the same event, Keetmanshoop Mayor Simon Petrus Tiboth called on leaders to continue dedicating resources to investigating and eradicating public corruption.”For if we in positions of public trust do not help, Anti-Corruption on its own will not be able to effectively fight the scourge of corruption,” he said.