EDITORIAL: Namibia’s data conundrum
Our shortcomings and failure to execute tasks placed before us will always come back to haunt us, often when it’s too late to act.
Despite several high-profile data security incidents in Namibia, no particular policies, frameworks or strategies deal directly with cybercrime, cybersecurity or data privacy.
The cyberattack on Telecom Namibia last week is a classic example of how the procrastination of lawmakers when it comes to crafting legislation that addresses the socioeconomic realities of this country places the peace and security of Namibia in jeopardy.
For almost a decade, lawmakers have failed to pass comprehensive cyber legislation in line with global trends.
The lack of accountability means many of our former information and communications ministers have come and gone without being held to account for not prioritising such important legislation.
Many bills have made their way through parliament over the years, with some adopted at lightning speed, which leaves one to wonder why an important bill aimed at protecting Namibians from cybercrime and data breaches is treated as though it lacks importance.
It is safe to conclude that the only bills that receive priority amongst our legislators are those that meet their immediate interests. We have not forgotten how the 2014 constitutional amendments sailed through parliament. This showed us that it is possible to swiftly pass laws if the willpower is there.
Despite several high-profile data security incidents in Namibia, no particular policies, frameworks or strategies deal directly with cybercrime, cybersecurity or data privacy.
The cyberattack on Telecom Namibia last week is a classic example of how the procrastination of lawmakers when it comes to crafting legislation that addresses the socioeconomic realities of this country places the peace and security of Namibia in jeopardy.
For almost a decade, lawmakers have failed to pass comprehensive cyber legislation in line with global trends.
The lack of accountability means many of our former information and communications ministers have come and gone without being held to account for not prioritising such important legislation.
Many bills have made their way through parliament over the years, with some adopted at lightning speed, which leaves one to wonder why an important bill aimed at protecting Namibians from cybercrime and data breaches is treated as though it lacks importance.
It is safe to conclude that the only bills that receive priority amongst our legislators are those that meet their immediate interests. We have not forgotten how the 2014 constitutional amendments sailed through parliament. This showed us that it is possible to swiftly pass laws if the willpower is there.
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Namibian Sun
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