Africa-Press – Namibia. As Namibia prepares for the upcoming regional and local authorities’ elections later this year, New Era journalist Lahja Nashuuta (LN) sits down with Windhoek East constituency councillor Brian Black (BB) to reflect on progress made in addressing pressing socio-economic issues. Windhoek East comprises affluent suburbs such as Auasblick, Avis, Klein Windhoek, Ludwigsdorf, Olympia and Suiderhof.
LN: In 2020, you won the Windhoek East seat under the banner of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC). What do you believe attracted voters to support you? What was your agenda?
BB: Without a doubt, there were two key promises I made that resonated with residents: fighting corruption and addressing crime. These two issues were my main priorities. It wasn’t so much about grand development projects; it was about ensuring our streets are clean, broken pavements are repaired, and that basic infrastructure like water pipes and streetlights are functional.
LN: Do you believe you’ve lived up to those promises, particularly in addressing corruption and crime?
BB: I’ve always challenged corruption head-on. I’ve written to senior government officials and even former presidents, raising red flags. But were my efforts successful? Not entirely.
There’s still a long road ahead. Corruption and crime remain major issues. Many crimes are committed by people from outside the constituency, driven by unemployment, poverty and hunger. As long as these underlying issues persist, crime will follow.
LN: Are there specific corruption cases you’ve pursued that you’d like to highlight?
BB: Yes. I raised the alarm about the N$660 million lost from the GIPF.
I also addressed issues related to the Ministry of Finance’s scanning camera procurement. Although some fraudsters were prosecuted, we must ask: who approved the payments? The same goes for the KORA N$23 million case. Government said the perpetrators fled the country, but what about those who signed off on the transactions? Similarly, with the N$100 million ODC scandal.
The person responsible was allowed to leave Namibia. If I were president, he wouldn’t have gone anywhere until held accountable.
Corruption remains a personal passion to fight because Namibia is one of the richest countries in Africa.
No Namibian should go to bed hungry if we manage our wealth properly. For example, fishing quotas shouldn’t go to individuals, but to communities like Okahandja or traditional authorities so that proceeds benefit more people and help create jobs.
LN: What are the biggest obstacles you’ve faced in implementing your plans?
BB: Budget constraints. In our first year, we received only N$200 000 for minor projects. What can you really do with that? Even now, the total national constituency development budget is about N$100 million. That’s for the entire country, and it’s nowhere near enough. We struggle to do much with what we get from central government and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
LN: What needs to change to address these funding constraints?
BB: I’m optimistic because, for the first time, we have a female president; someone who, as a mother, I believe will prioritise care and responsibility. Her reduction of the Cabinet from 24 to 14 ministers is encouraging. We’re also seeing younger, energetic MPs who focus on bread-and-butter issues, not just liberation credentials.
We also need to reform our tax system. Namibia has one of the highest tax rates in Africa: 32%, compared to 22% in Botswana. That’s a disincentive for investment and manufacturing. We must shift from just exporting raw commodities to manufacturing locally and creating jobs. It’s about growing the economic “cake,” not fearing there won’t be enough.
LN: What are some of the achievements you’re proud of?
BB: There have been highs and lows. On the positive side, we’ve initiated income-generating projects, provided winter safety nets to vulnerable children, supported the elderly with festive food parcels, and supplied computers to schools like Centaurus and Settlers. We’re building ablution facilities for the Eros Primary School, and two office blocks for the Wanaheda police station to reduce overcrowding.
LN: The lows?
BB: The biggest challenge has been inadequate funding. Also, we started building an aquaponics system for the Duff Bridge Centre in 2022. I warned my colleagues that it required specialised skills, but they awarded the tender to an inexperienced contractor. It’s now three years and still incomplete. We’re pursuing legal action.
Another disappointment is our inability to get the City of Windhoek to carry out basic maintenance like cleaning streets, fixing broken manholes or trimming overgrown grass. Windhoek East contributes significantly to the city’s revenue, yet little is reinvested here. There’s a perception that this is an affluent constituency and thus less of a priority. That’s unfair. Even affluent areas need functioning infrastructure.
LN: If you’re not re-elected, what pressing issues should your successor tackle?
BB: One of my personal goals was to build public toilets near bus stops for domestic workers and commuters from underprivileged areas like Samora Machel and Moses //Garoëb. It’s unacceptable for them to work in our homes without access to basic sanitation. I’ve also pushed for better vendor facilities, shaded stalls, access to water and sanitation for those selling at places like Nelson Mandela Avenue, Shoprite and Taylor Cooper. However, land ownership issues have been a barrier. I hope my successor continues these efforts.
LN: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
BB: Yes. I came from the corporate world with over 40 years of experience. I once applied for public sector jobs and was shortlisted, but never appointed.
So, when I entered public service, it was out of a genuine desire to give back. It’s been an honour to serve.
The shift from private to public service was challenging. In the corporate world, decisions are implemented quickly.
In government, even basic decisions like building a constituency office can take years.
We just broke ground on a Katutura Central office that was on the agenda for four years. It’s unacceptable.I hope our new president will lead by example, and hold ministers accountable so that accountability filters down through all layers of government.
Namibia is a beautiful, rich country. With the right mindset, we can achieve so much more.
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