Some honourables, not so honourable

NAMIBIAN lawmakers had a memorable 2013 – from reports of countless adjournments of the National Assembly to complaints that they are not well-paid.

Sadly, the year kicked off on a sad note, with the death of former Minister of Education Abraham Iyambo in February while on official duty in London.

Otherwise, as a norm, President Hifikepunye Pohamba opened the Parliament session, calling on members to strengthen the democratic institutions and entrench democracy and good governance.

However, it seems, the call by the Head of State was taken lightly after it emerged that nine parliamentary sessions failed to take off because of lack of a quorum. Out of the 81 days, which Parliament should have sat, the legislators sat for only 64 days, which means they lost 17 days of work.

Not an impressive trend considering that some Members of Parliament complained about poor remuneration. They also complained about being under-resourced, saying they feel inferior to their peers from other countries when they are on foreign trips.

Twelve bills were tabled this year and two policies were also tabled this year. Among the bills are: the National Planning Commission Bill, Appropriation Bill, Income Tax Amendment Bill, Stamp Duties Amendment Bill, Transfer Duty Amendment Bill, Public Accountants’ and Auditors’ Amendment Bill, Water Resources Management Bill and the Electoral Amendment Bill.

Others are the Public Procurement Bill, Water Resources Management Bill, Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Amendment Bill, Communal Land Reform Amendment Bill, Magistrates Amendment Bill and the High Court Amendment Bill.

The bills which raised heat were the Procurement Bill and the two land bills. If there were those who questioned the persuasion and lobbying prowess of former youth minister Kazenambo Kazenambo, their doubts should be put to rest for now.

The outspoken minister, who earlier this years, complained about the low salary he received as a lawmaker got his wishes when the controversial Procurement Bill was withdrawn after he vowed to fight it tooth and nail.

Credit should be given to opposition party members. Statistics from the legislative house show that opposition members moved more motions in the house, with only two of the 14 motions coming from Swapo MPs.

The Congress of Democrats president, Ben Ulenga, tops the list of the lawmakers who tabled motions in the house this year.

He was followed by the likes of Rally for Democracy and Progress MP Anton von Wietersheim, who moved three while All People’s Party President (APP) Ignatius Shixwameni and Swanu president Usutuaije Maamberua each tabled two.

Special mention should be made to RDP deputy president Steve Bezuidenhout, DTA of Namibia former president and deputy Katuutire Kaura and Phillemon Moongo, National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) MP Arnold Tjihuiko who contributed most in the legislative house.

The trophy for the lightest moment in the house this year goes to DTA’s Moongo and Nudo President Kuaima Riruako.

Kazenambo has, on a daily basis uttered the word “chief” to distract Riruako from making his point.

The ruling party has however made up for not tabling motions in the house by making about 160 ministerial statements. Among those who dominated that platform is Minister of Health Richard Kamwi, Prime Minister Hage Geingob and the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry John Mutorwa who had to respond to countless national issues.

Finance Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, despite not having a deputy minister this year, is one of the outstanding ministers.

She tabled more than 130 reports from various ministries, even though the Procurement Bill was withdrawn for further consultations.

In 2011, a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said many MPs did not make full use of their parliamentary seats for the benefit of society, and preferred to remain silent. I’m afraid that trend has not stopped.

The year 2014 should be a year of improvement, debate of crucial national issues, it will be an elections year, I hope we wont have sessions being called off as some have gone to attend rallies.

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.