Senior Government officials in the West African country of Namibia have been accused of blatantly ignoring rules against them working for political parties.
Executive Director of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare, Martha Mbombo (pictured) has admitted being a branch coordinator for the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO).
Executive Director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, heads the party’s women’s organisation, while the Ministry’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Albertina Shilongo is the SWAPO’s Information Secretary.
The country’s Public Service Act states that officers in management roles should not hold office, publish information or make public statements in favour of any political party.
Attempts by journalists to get comments from the three officials, and other Public Servants who have expressed an intention to stand for office within the SWAPO have been ignored.
Cabinet Secretary, George Simataa told journalists he was unable to answer questions regarding the matter.
“I advise that you speak to the people concerned,” Mr Simataa said.
Secretary for Legal Affairs at the SWAPO, Pohamba Shifeta said Public Servants were aware of their contractual obligations and should act accordingly.
“It is their employer, through the Public Service Commission, which must act if any violation or any act of misconduct is alleged, Mr Shifeta said.
Political analyst, Rui Tyitende said it was important to understand that Namibia was to a large extent, a “Party State”, and the party and the State had become intertwined.
“The naked violation of the Public Service Act should come as no surprise as the leadership in the party consider positions in the Public Service as their private fiefdoms,” Mr Tyitende said.
The SWAPO has been the governing party in Namibia since independence in 1990.
Windhoek, 26 August 2023
