The burden of shadow Advisors: When double appointments double the cost

Lazarus Kwedhi

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment of a new layer of special advisors has put her leadership to an early test and put the taxpayer on the hook.

Article 32 of the Constitution and the Special Advisors and Regional Governors Appointment Act of 1990 give the President broad executive power.

But that power carries a burden: to use it in a way that strengthens accountable institutions, and not duplicate appointments at the public’s expense.

The creation of “shadow advisors” operating in parallel to Cabinet raises both a constitutional question and a simple budget question: why are Namibians paying twice for the same advice?

The legal framework is clear. The Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister, is the principal advisory body to the Head of State.