Governance bill to boost accountability in state entities — Shifeta

Staff Reporter PARLIAMENTARY Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs Chairperson, Pohamba Shifeta, has thrown his support behind the Public Enterprise Governance Amendment Bill, saying it will address structural inefficiencies, strengthen coordination, and improve accountability in Namibia’s public enterprises. Speaking in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Shifeta said the bill seeks to resolve longstanding governance challenges, particularly the lack of clear roles and coordination between boards, ministers, and executives within public enterprises. He emphasised that chief executive officers should not report directly to ministers, especially in commercial entities, as this undermines the authority and fiduciary responsibility of boards. “The issue is not that we lack talent, nor that boards or ministers do not care. The issue is structure and lack of compliance,” Shifeta said, adding that unclear mandates and poor coordination have led to inefficiencies and underperformance in many state-owned entities. Shifeta added that the bill introduces clearer lines of responsibility, distinguishing the role of the relevant minister in setting national policy and approving strategic plans, while boards are tasked with implementing strategy, appointing chief executives, and overseeing performance. He further highlighted provisions aimed at strengthening coordination between ministers and the Prime Minister, describing it as a necessary step to ensure timely, transparent, and binding decision-making. The bill also seeks to enforce performance through mandatory governance and performance agreements, with measurable financial and service delivery targets. Shifeta stressed that public enterprises requiring government support must be explicitly funded, while others should operate on a commercial basis. “With authority comes accountability. Non-performance must have consequences,” he said. Shifeta added that the proposed amendments would enhance oversight by making it more strategic rather than operational, while ensuring that boards are held accountable for results. He said that Namibia’s public enterprises control assets worth over N$60 billion and argued that improved performance could unlock economic value, create jobs, and improve service delivery without increasing taxes. Shifeta urged Members of Parliament to support the bill, describing it as a critical legal instrument to improve governance, strengthen accountability, and drive productivity in public enterprises. Photo: Parliament of the Republic of Namibia The post Governance bill to boost accountability in state entities — Shifeta appeared first on Informanté .