The Only Way To Go

THE recent wave of graft and corrupt practices with serious intent of self-enrichment prompts two simple questions.

One, what’s up with the enforcement of the Anti-Corruption Act and two, is President Hifikepunye Pohamba going to practise what he preaches and ensure culprits are brought to book and in so doing, protect the actual disadvantaged Namibians by such selfish acts? So many Presidential Commissions of Inquiry called to investigate allegations of corrupt practices, so little ground covered in wiping out the disease. Instead the plundering of public funds continues unhindered.Mind you, Namibians were still recovering from the 10 million in public funds lost to Nando’s through a GIPF investment when another 30 million in public funds just went missing at an aptly named Avid Investment Co.Now, how many such cases must we witness before the devastating fire is contained? It’s a fact that corruption, in all its forms, especially misappropriation of public funds if not effectively combated or prevented, can weaken public confidence and reverse the economic and sustainable development government is trying to bring for its people, turning the attainment of V2030 into a nightmare.The previous government’s stance was questionable and lacked political will and commonly desired actions to curb graft and it appeared as if the government was covering up corruption.At least that is the impression that was created.One only wonders what the reasons were for the “covering up”.Was it perhaps the government’s way of lessening the negative, yet devastating impact corruption might have on attracting potential investment or the “impossible” task of identifying and punishing “graft-tainted comrades” or to protect themselves against stereotyped beliefs of government policies on black economic empowerment.Whatever the reasons, Namibia, if we are not careful, will enable a breeding ground for major scams if it is not vigorously and effectively combated.I can only see how we are speeding in our convertibles to catch up with Kenya, unofficially dubbed the “capital of corruption’ and not forgetting Nigeria, popular with their syndicated scams.According to the international watchdog Transparency International, Namibia was ranked 5.3 during 1998 and declined to a 4.1 ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index during 2004.The ideal will be a 6.0 ranking, keeping in mind that a ranking of 10 indicating that a country is perceived to be “highly clean”, while a ranking of 0 indicates that a country is perceived to be “highly corrupt”.Namibians are tired and therefore demand proper action from the highest office of the country.Dare I say the focus should be on driving out corrupt politicians, businessmen and government officials, like the Italians did with the operation “Clean Hands” that resulted in the arrest of a large number of high-profile politicians and businessmen implicated in dirty money deals during early ’90s.That’s the only way to go.Anon Via e-mailInstead the plundering of public funds continues unhindered.Mind you, Namibians were still recovering from the 10 million in public funds lost to Nando’s through a GIPF investment when another 30 million in public funds just went missing at an aptly named Avid Investment Co.Now, how many such cases must we witness before the devastating fire is contained? It’s a fact that corruption, in all its forms, especially misappropriation of public funds if not effectively combated or prevented, can weaken public confidence and reverse the economic and sustainable development government is trying to bring for its people, turning the attainment of V2030 into a nightmare.The previous government’s stance was questionable and lacked political will and commonly desired actions to curb graft and it appeared as if the government was covering up corruption.At least that is the impression that was created.One only wonders what the reasons were for the “covering up”.Was it perhaps the government’s way of lessening the negative, yet devastating impact corruption might have on attracting potential investment or the “impossible” task of identifying and punishing “graft-tainted comrades” or to protect themselves against stereotyped beliefs of government policies on black economic empowerment.Whatever the reasons, Namibia, if we are not careful, will enable a breeding ground for major scams if it is not vigorously and effectively combated.I can only see how we are speeding in our convertibles to catch up with Kenya, unofficially dubbed the “capital of corruption’ and not forgetting Nigeria, popular with their syndicated scams.According to the international watchdog Transparency International, Namibia was ranked 5.3 during 1998 and declined to a 4.1 ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index during 2004.The ideal will be a 6.0 ranking, keeping in mind that a ranking of 10 indicating that a country is perceived to be “highly clean”, while a ranking of 0 indicates that a country is perceived to be “highly corrupt”.Namibians are tired and therefore demand proper action from the highest office of the country.Dare I say the focus should be on driving out corrupt politicians, businessmen and government officials, like the Italians did with the operation “Clean Hands” that resulted in the arrest of a large number of high-profile politicians and businessmen implicated in dirty money deals during early ’90s.That’s the only way to go.Anon Via e-mail