Shameful Corruption: A Cry for Help

ONCE AGAIN, A shameful corruption scandal has dragged the ‘Land of the Brave’ deeper into Africa’s growing crisis of misgovernance.

Namibia is at risk of becoming the ‘Land of the Corrupt’, as scandal after scandal emerges – a staggering reality given our small population and limited global influence.

The discovery of oil and gas raised hopes of prosperity, but has also fuelled a culture of greed and unethical shortcuts among those entrusted with managing our resources.

Many individuals implicated in these scandals are not in their roles because of merit, but because of political connections. Their proximity to power seems to be their only qualification. Across ministries and parastatals, appointments are made based on loyalty rather than competence, bypassing transparent recruitment processes.

This is not about isolated incidents. Corruption has become systemic and disturbingly normalised. Our national wealth is being looted not by outsiders, but by those mandated to protect it on behalf of all Namibians.

Once in office, these individuals treat public institutions as private businesses. Merit is sacrificed. Ethics are sidelined. And the cost is borne by the people.

Corruption is not merely a crime – it is a betrayal of our democratic ideals. It stems from a mindset that power entitles one to wealth. This toxic belief is spreading through our institutions and eroding public trust.

Namibia has lost its reputation for clean governance. Despite our small population, corruption spreads unchecked. Many now see access to power not as a call to serve, but as a route to personal enrichment – no matter how many lives they trample to get there.

A quiet battle rages among those close to power – not for the public good, but for private gain. These actors are not leaders. They are looters in suits.

We cannot build a nation on this foundation.

What must change?

1. Lifestyle audits
   All senior public officials and state-owned enterprise (SOE) executives should undergo regular, independent lifestyle audits.
2. Merit-based appointments

Public posts must be filled based on qualifications, experience, and integrity – not political loyalty.

3. Stronger governance

SOEs must be run ethically and professionally. Executive training should be compulsory.

4. Public education

We must educate our citizens about the real cost of corruption and build a culture of integrity.

5. Whistle-blower protection

Those who expose wrongdoing must be protected from dismissal or victimisation.

Can we say a Namibian child is truly free when condemned to poverty by those who rob the country’s future? Those stealing from the state are not foreigners – they are Namibians, like you and me.

Namibia cannot move forward while power is used as a tool for theft. We must demand better.

– Kapache Victor

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.