New leaf for the DTA

The DTA of Namibia is expected to elect a secretary-general and 40 Central Committee members during its elective Central Committee meeting scheduled for 1 and 2 July.
According to a press statement issued by the party yesterday, the party has revamped its constitution and a draft constitution will be tabled for discussion.
These amendments will be considered for approval during the Central Committee meeting in July.
In his keynote address at an Exco meeting at the weekend, DTA president McHenry Venaani said the party and its organs had “fallen asleep”, hence the dire need for a re-awakening within the party and its structures.
He said the new constitution would provide the DTA with an extensive foundation and operating framework from which to serve not only the party but also the people of Namibia.
“The external environment has changed significantly since independence, and this necessitates a response from our party if we are to remain relevant. Among other things, the draft constitution provides for the election of a new secretary-general of the party, an essential aspect of internal party business that we must dispense with in the coming weeks,” said Venaani.
He also pointed out that DTA as the official opposition must at all times provide checks and balances against the power of the ruling Swapo Party.
“Towards this end, we engage the ruling party in parliamentary sessions through the tabling of motions on and questions regarding issues of public concern. It is also our responsibility to interrogate, analyse and provide some form of commentary on the initiatives and projects of government,” he said.
Although he praised President Hage Geingob for introducing the “noble” Harambee Prosperity Plan, Venaani said more needed to be done.
“For starters, a key element would be the development and implementation of an enforceable code of ethics and ethical conduct for the public service, which will include conflicts of interest and assets and income declarations,” he argued.
According to him civil servants should not be allowed to run private businesses on the side, and they should particularly be restricted from doing business with the government.
Venaani also said the money allocated for drought relief was inadequate.
“It is not uncommon practice for drought-relief food to be left to rot away in warehouses while Namibian farmers struggle to make ends meet. It was also recently confirmed that food intended for hostels in the //Karas Region had been left to rot in warehouses,” he said.

JEMIMA BEUKES