The chairperson of the Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration has emphasised the vitality of public administration in any democratic system, adding it surpasses even political divides and benefiting every sphere of life.

Natangwe Ithete, speaking at the official opening of a five-day oversight workshop of the standing committee in Swakopmund on Monday, highlighted the mandate of the committee, established under Articles 59 and 63(f) of the Namibian Constitution, to oversee the economy and public administration.

‘Since its inception, the standing committee has primarily focused on economic affairs, however, we have resolved to address public administration more comprehensively, recognising its crucial role in accelerating public service delivery and enhancing citizens’ satisfaction with governance,’ Ithete said.

He further pointed out the broader implications of effective public administration, including addressing unemployment, economic disparity, poverty reduction, and the prevention o
f worker exploitation.

‘This workshop serves as our first opportunity to map out issues related to public administration and public sector reform before the end of the seventh Parliament.’

The workshop, themed ‘Maximising the Potentials of Public Administration, Public Service Management, and Public Service Delivery in Namibia’, is being attended by officials from various Government offices, ministries, agencies, and related participants.

The workshop’s discussions will focus on crucial issues highlighted in the 2024 Namibia Review Report by the African Union’s African Peer Review Mechanism.

Among these are concerns about public service efficiency, corruption, the delayed implementation of decentralisation policies, and the performance of State-owned enterprises.

Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope who officially opened the workshop, echoed Ithete’s sentiments, explaining that a well-functioning public administration is a pre-condition for the effective and efficient functioning of any government.

He fu
rther emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within government institutions.

‘The outcome of this workshop has the potential to shape the future of public administration and service delivery in Namibia,’ said Itope.

He called for a collaborative effort to ensure the public service remains responsive and proactive in meeting the needs of the Namibian people.

Source : The Namibia News Agency