NAMIBIA: New president aims to tackle corruption

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

WINDHOEK, 22 Mar 2005 (IRIN) - Namibia's President Hifikepunye Pohamba identified corruption, and economic and rural development as priorities when announcing his cabinet and the creation of a new ministry of safety and security shortly after his inauguration on Monday.

Promising to continue the legacy of founding president Sam Nujoma, 69-year-old Pohamba declared a "zero tolerance for waste and corruption" in the public sector.

"I, therefore, make a solemn pledge to you as my compatriots and fellow citizens, that I shall set a personal example [in fighting corruption]," he said.

Namibia's current stability had to "be accompanied by sustainable growth, social development, discipline and self-sacrifice", Pohamba added, pointing out that "the disparity in socioeconomic development, unemployment and poverty will only be addressed effectively if we transform the Namibian economy and accelerate economic growth".

He stressed that this could be achieved by empowering previously disadvantaged citizens through education, training and skills development, "underpinned by efficient economic management and productivity".

"I reaffirm the policy of the SWAPO party government to uplift the standards of our rural population, to enable them to contribute to our ongoing efforts to attain socioeconomic development, and strengthen programmes that are conducive to improved agricultural output; that provide safe drinking water, electricity, adequate and affordable medical facilities and services, and improved infrastructure," Pohamba explained.

The president's new cabinet includes many familiar faces, albeit in different roles, but the finance, foreign affairs and fisheries were retained by the incumbent ministers.

The portfolios for basic and higher education have been combined, while a new ministry of youth, national service, sport and culture has been created.

According to political analyst Andre du Pisani, "the new cabinet of President Pohamba displays a high degree of continuity but, at the same time, is also reflective of a political elite".

"The department of rural development, which resorted under the agriculture ministry, has now moved to the ministry of local, regional government and housing - an indication that the emphasis might now be on the spaces outside of the cities," Du Pisani told IRIN.

Probably the most significant change was made in the security sector: the police, formerly the responsibility of the ministry of home affairs, will now fall under the umbrella of the newly created ministry of safety and security.

The longstanding head of the Namibia National Intelligence Services, Peter Tshirumbu-Tseehama, will head the new safety ministry and act as defence minister. "The defence post will remain vacant for the time being until an announcement later," Pohamba explained.

The previous defence minister, Erkki Nghimtina, was assigned to mines and energy.

Du Pisani said the importance of the security sector had increased after secessionist activities in the Caprivi region.

[ENDS]