Institutional reform measures within the Namibian public sector to ensure accelerated service delivery.

Abstract

During 2006, Namibia not only celebrated 16 years of independence, but the people of Namibia also witnessed a smooth transition of presidential power, in a peaceful, democratic and constitutional manner. The newly elected President, Hifikepunye Pohamba, committed himself and his government to accelerated service delivery. In contrast to all these positive developments within Namibia, the people of Namibia have also witnessed an increase in corruption, maladministration and poor service delivery over the last few years. In this regard this paper will briefly focus on service delivery within Namibia, as well as the positive and negative developments regarding service delivery that have taken place over the last 16 years. Thereafter a brief discussion will follow, which will identify the measures the government of the Republic of Namibia has implemented on institutional level to address these maladies and ensure accelerated service delivery. The measure put in place is the principle of ministerial accountability in accordance with the Namibian Constitution: addressing corruption directly; ensuring that public enterprises operate effectively and efficiently as socio-economic development catalysts; and to establish sound labour relations. The need to contain good communication lines between all social partners was recognised and amendments were made to the Public Service Act, 1995 (Act 13 of 1995) to streamline the disciplinary procedures under the Act.