Africa-Press – Namibia. Deputy urban and rural development minister, Eveline !Nawases-Taeyele, says rampant financial mismanagement and political interference are crippling basic service delivery across the country.
This, she says, has left ordinary Namibians at the receiving end.
“Regional and local authorities have become a haven for personal enrichment and nepotism, all under the guise of affirmative action appointments,” she said.
The deputy minister made these remarks during the opening of the Association for Local Authorities in Namibia (Alan) convention, in Swakopmund on Wednesday. The event brought together local authority councillors, mayors and CEOs from across Namibia, as well as African leaders, under one roof to compare notes on local governance.
The Alan convention is taking place under the theme ‘Effective Governance for Effective Service Delivery’.
According to the deputy minister, the government has noted with concern that many regional and local authorities are plagued by corruption, irregularities and widespread financial mismanagement. She pointed out that while some of these issues stem from incompetence on the part of appointed staff, others are the direct result of misguided political instructions.
The minister said funds transferred by central government for infrastructure development and other projects are instead being used for travelling and subsistence allowances.
“In some instances, it is outright fraud being committed,” she said.
She said audit reports continue to paint a bleak picture, with the urban and rural development sector constantly suffering as a result. Adding that some regional and local authorities have become nothing more than ATMs for known tenderpreneurs.
Nawases-Taeyele further noted that Namibians are not asking for anything unreasonable.
“What they want is fair and decent – the kind of life every citizen in a democratic nation deserves. They want better education for their children, not just the ability to read and write but skills that match what the market demands. They are calling for stable jobs and opportunities to earn a living, decent and affordable housing, and security of tenure – responsibilities that lie squarely with local authorities,” she appealed.
According to her, residents also want pothole-free roads, reliable infrastructure in both urban and rural areas and clean environments, as well as a quality of life that allows them to live with dignity.
“These are not wish lists. They are developmental imperatives and each councillor is expected to deliver on them,” she said.
The deputy minister also criticized the misuse of the affirmative action policy, warning that nepotism and the appointment of underqualified individuals are dragging the system down. Citing both scripture and legislation, Nawases-Taeyele reminded her audience that effective financial oversight is not only a legal obligation but also a moral duty. “Good governance is not a favour – it is a duty. And service delivery is not an aspiration – it is a contract with the people,” she said.
The president of the South African Local Government Association (Salga), Bheke Charles Stofile, said the current era marks a pivotal point for local government in the region. He highlighted the growing recognition of the critical role local authorities play in development, defending democracy and shaping the future of nations.
He said the theme of the conference reflects the real challenges and aspirations of communities across Africa.
He added that citizens rely on local government to bring constitutional promises to life – through clean water, safe roads, inclusive planning, access to services and genuine public participation.
“When governance is weak, citizens suffer. But when it is effective, communities thrive, and the dignity of public life is restored,” he said.
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