Motivation for the Anti-Corruption Commission budgetary allocation

Speech by Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, speaker of the 8th  National Assembly, 28 April 2025.

The independence and impartiality of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are emphasised in Article 94A(3) of the Namibian Constitution read together with section 2(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act of 2003. The ACC, therefore, remains committed to conduct its operations independently and without undue influence from any functionary or institution.

The ACC furthermore remains dedicated to continue to lead the fight against corruption through effective law enforcement and the development and implementation of adequate corruption preventative measures. The commission’s aim remains to contribute to realising its vision and the vision of the government of the Republic of Namibia of attaining a corrupt-free Namibia.

In accordance with the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, the ACC is mandated to receive or initiate and investigate allegations of corrupt practices, prevent corruption, educate the public and to raise awareness on the evils of corruption.

In the National Development Plan 6, the ACC is required to contribute to Pillar 4 (Effective Governance and Public Service Delivery). The commission does so through its investigations and corruption-prevention activities, which results in increased accountability and transparency.

During the 2024/2025 financial year the ACC was allocated N$105 992 000 inclusive of operational and development budgets, as per the Mid-Year Term Budget Review of the said financial year.

For the 2025/2026 financial year, the ACC is allocated N$116 549 000, of which N$103 549 000 is allocated for operational activities, while N$13 million is allocated for the capital development.

The budget allocation for the 2025/2026 financial year represents an increase of 9.96% compared to the 2024/2025 budgetary allocation.

The budgetary allocations per the main divisions of the commission is as follows:

1. Main Division 1: Office of the Director-General

An amount of N$5 376 000 is earmarked for the Office of the Director-General. From this amount, N$4 843 000 will cover remuneration and related expenditure in this main division, whereas N$533 000 is set aside to cover goods and other services.

2. Main Division 2: Administration

An amount of N$46 759 000 is budgeted for this main division, inclusive of support and coordinating services. An amount of N$13 888 000 is earmarked for remuneration and related expenditure in this main division. In respect of utility services (entailing municipal and telecommunication charges) for the five ACC offices located respectively in Windhoek, Swakopmund, Otjiwarongo, Oshakati and Rundu an amount of N$4 326 000 is allocated. Meanwhile, the rental of office accommodation for four of the regional offices will cost an estimated amount of N$3 616 000.

Furthermore, an allocation of N$13 million is earmarked for the development budget (for the construction, renovation, and immovable properties improvement for 2025/2026 financial year).

3. Main Division 3: Investigations

An amount of N$41 216 000 is earmarked for this main division. Thirty-six million and sixteen thousand Namibia Dollars is budgeted for remuneration and related expenditure under this main division. In this regard, it should be noted that the commission has only five regional offices and investigating officers are required to travel to the remaining regions whenever the need arises. An amount of N$2.5 million is earmarked for contractual obligations in respect of the upgrade and maintenance of investigative software licensing and annual fees (electronic case management system and forensic investigation tools).

Furthermore, an amount of N$1.5 million is to cater for other goods and services to be utilised for acquiring specialised expertise and skills when required during complex investigations.

4. Main Division 4: Public Education and Corruption Prevention 

An amount of N$17 823 000 is allocated to this main division. An amount of N$15 122 000, out of this allocation, is set aside for remuneration and related expenditure. The main function of the public education and corruption prevention officials is to educate, raise awareness and take measures to prevent corruption. As part of the preventative measures, the officials examine the systems and procedures of institutions to eliminate corruption vulnerabilities within institutions. Training on ethics and integrity is also conducted. In addition, they are also responsible to oversee the implementation of the second National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan (2021-2025).

5. Main Division 5: Security and Risk Management Services

This main division is allocated an amount of N$4 332 000 in total. Out of that amount, N$2 482 000 is allocated for remuneration and related expenditure, whereas an amount of N$1.75 million is earmarked for the maintenance expenditure, in particular the upgrading of the ACC security systems.

6. Main Division 6: Performance Improvement

This main division is mandatory, and an amount of N$1 043 000 is allocated for its operational expenditure. Of the said amount, N$931 000 is earmarked for personnel expenditure. The division is to bear the responsibility for planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluating performance at the ACC.

Allow me to remind this August House that corruption impacts negatively on investor confidence, economic growth and development, infrastructure development and healthcare, to mention but a few. In view of the aforementioned, it remains crucial to improve the budget allocation of the ACC to enable it to perform its entrusted responsibilities and mandate.

In conclusion, I now present to this August House the request in respect of vote 30 of the ACC for the allocation of the amount of N$116 549 000 as set out in the schedule of the appropriation bill for the 2025/2026 financial year.

I thank you.

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