Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reaffirmed the need to protect and sustainably utilise Namibia’s marine resources, calling for collective action and practical solutions as she opened the second day of consultations with the fishing industry in Walvis Bay.
Addressing stakeholders, the President stressed that the engagement process is aimed at resolving systemic challenges within the sector rather than targeting individuals, emphasising a governance approach focused on accountability, compliance, and long-term sustainability.
Nandi-Ndaitwah underscored that Namibia’s marine resources are a national asset that must be safeguarded in line with Article 95 of the Constitution, which obliges Government to ensure their sustainable use for both present and future generations.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
“The fishing industry is one of our natural resources, and I have taken an oath to ensure its sustainable utilisation for both current and future generations,” she said.
She clarified that the consultations are not intended to punish any individual or group, but to address weaknesses within the sector and restore stability.
“What I want is not to punish anybody, but to protect and defend the Constitution by ensuring the sustainable utilisation of our fish stock and marine resources,” the President said.
She explained that this approach prioritises fixing underlying issues, strengthening compliance, and reinforcing accountability through lawful and fair processes.
The President further emphasised that the fishing industry is a shared ecosystem involving workers, employers, and regulators, all of whom must take responsibility for addressing current challenges.
“We have all identified the challenges. Now is the time for us to say how we are going to address them,” she said.
The ongoing consultations build on discussions from the first day, focusing on key issues such as governance, institutional trust, transparency in quota allocation, and restoring confidence in the sector.
The engagements form part of Government’s broader effort to stabilise and transform the fishing industry while safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring the sustainable management of Namibia’s marine resources.
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