SWAKOPMUND — Neville Andre Itope, Governor of the Erongo Region, stressed the urgency of combating corruption, which he described as a pervasive issue affecting all nations. This statement was made during the ACC Regional Stakeholders' forum on Tuesday, in a joint effort with the Erongo Regional Governor's Office.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum was pivotal in discussing the progress of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan (NACSAP) 2021-2025 within the region. He emphasized the destructive impact of corruption on democracy and the rule of law, noting its role in wasting funds, distorting markets, and hindering trade and investment. The governor called for increased public education on the risks of corruption and the promotion of integrity through outreach programs.

ACC Deputy Director General, Advocate Erna van der Merwe, also highlighted the critical roles of inclusivity, ownership, and accountability in combating corruption. She praised the effectiveness of regional forums as essential governance structures for overseeing the implementation of NACSAP, which includes eight strategic objectives and 95 actions coordinated by 44 lead institutions. As of the last financial year, 87 of these actions have been successfully implemented.

Both officials underscored the importance of collaboration in fighting corruption, urging stakeholders from all sectors to engage actively in anti-corruption efforts and maintain high standards of ethics and integrity. Training sessions have been conducted for local authority staff across multiple municipalities, including Swakopmund, Henties Bay, Arandis, Walvis Bay, Usakos, and Karibib, to instill these values.