Ngurare targets corruption with procurement overhaul
In his first major policy address as prime minister, Dr Elijah Ngurare pledged sweeping reforms to Namibia’s public procurement system, positioning it at the heart of the new administration’s fight against corruption and inefficiency — while aiming to foster accountability and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with senior government officials at the Office of the Prime Minister last week, Ngurare laid out his vision for a people-centred government built on unity, meritocracy, and effective service delivery.
With executive directors from various ministries in attendance, Ngurare spoke bluntly about the urgent need to modernise outdated systems and remove “bureaucratic obstacles” that hinder development.
Recalling his time as Secretary of the Swapo Party Youth League in 2008, he cited the controversial N$200 million drought relief tender — awarded to a handful of well-connected firms — as a turning point.
“The downtrodden, who vote for the government, were being excluded from the procurement benefits of government,” he said. “The Public Procurement Act of 2015 was not enacted to become a hindrance or an excuse for delays. It was meant to make the lives of our people better.”
He made it clear that if the current legislation no longer serves the public good, it must be urgently amended. Any corruption or manipulation within the system, he warned, would be dealt with decisively.
“If corruption is endemic in the procurement system, we will come hard and close such loopholes that erode the confidence of the people in their government.”
Empowering local communities
Ngurare also called for a bold shift toward localised, community-focused procurement. He advocated for prioritising women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs in public tenders — especially in key sectors such as education and health.
“We want to see that women and youth who reside near a public institution like a school hostel are the ones supplying that school with food,” he said. “Where the capacity does not exist, we must create it.”
This model, he said, could unlock job creation, modernise agriculture, and drive regional development. He urged ministries to support small-scale farmers with access to water, tools, and training — adding, “The solutions to our challenges exist here on Earth, not on Mars.”
Cracking down on nepotism
Addressing broader public service issues, the prime minister strongly condemned nepotism, favouritism, and corruption in hiring and procurement practices. He cited disturbing reports of pre-arranged appointments and tenders awarded before procurement committees formally convene.
“Let us dismantle this menace in our society,” he said. “Competence, hard work, and selfless service must be rewarded — not corruption, nepotism, and other retrogressive tendencies.”
He stressed the importance of impartiality in public service: “No public servant should favour individuals based on personal, tribal, or regional ties. I must be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of all Namibians. The resources of Namibia must benefit all Namibians.”
Ngurare concluded by thanking civil servants for their dedication and urged them to help build a positive, inclusive work culture. He reiterated the need for both government employees and citizens to take pride in public service.
“We must at all material times be servants of the Namibian people,” he said.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with senior government officials at the Office of the Prime Minister last week, Ngurare laid out his vision for a people-centred government built on unity, meritocracy, and effective service delivery.
With executive directors from various ministries in attendance, Ngurare spoke bluntly about the urgent need to modernise outdated systems and remove “bureaucratic obstacles” that hinder development.
Recalling his time as Secretary of the Swapo Party Youth League in 2008, he cited the controversial N$200 million drought relief tender — awarded to a handful of well-connected firms — as a turning point.
“The downtrodden, who vote for the government, were being excluded from the procurement benefits of government,” he said. “The Public Procurement Act of 2015 was not enacted to become a hindrance or an excuse for delays. It was meant to make the lives of our people better.”
He made it clear that if the current legislation no longer serves the public good, it must be urgently amended. Any corruption or manipulation within the system, he warned, would be dealt with decisively.
“If corruption is endemic in the procurement system, we will come hard and close such loopholes that erode the confidence of the people in their government.”
Empowering local communities
Ngurare also called for a bold shift toward localised, community-focused procurement. He advocated for prioritising women, youth, and rural entrepreneurs in public tenders — especially in key sectors such as education and health.
“We want to see that women and youth who reside near a public institution like a school hostel are the ones supplying that school with food,” he said. “Where the capacity does not exist, we must create it.”
This model, he said, could unlock job creation, modernise agriculture, and drive regional development. He urged ministries to support small-scale farmers with access to water, tools, and training — adding, “The solutions to our challenges exist here on Earth, not on Mars.”
Cracking down on nepotism
Addressing broader public service issues, the prime minister strongly condemned nepotism, favouritism, and corruption in hiring and procurement practices. He cited disturbing reports of pre-arranged appointments and tenders awarded before procurement committees formally convene.
“Let us dismantle this menace in our society,” he said. “Competence, hard work, and selfless service must be rewarded — not corruption, nepotism, and other retrogressive tendencies.”
He stressed the importance of impartiality in public service: “No public servant should favour individuals based on personal, tribal, or regional ties. I must be surrounded by a kaleidoscope of all Namibians. The resources of Namibia must benefit all Namibians.”
Ngurare concluded by thanking civil servants for their dedication and urged them to help build a positive, inclusive work culture. He reiterated the need for both government employees and citizens to take pride in public service.
“We must at all material times be servants of the Namibian people,” he said.
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