Swakopmund:The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) reported 94 corruption-related cases in the Erongo Region during the 2024/25-2025/26 financial year. These cases involve allegations such as fraud, bribery, abuse of public office, and irregularities in the tendering system.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Dr. Bryan Eiseb, the newly appointed ACC Director General, shared this information during his first media address at the commission's annual media engagement in Swakopmund. He noted that 45 of these cases are still under investigation, 21 are currently before the courts, five were closed due to insufficient evidence, four have been sent back for further investigation by the Prosecutor General, and seven are awaiting a decision.
Dr. Eiseb highlighted the need for the commission to strengthen its prevention and enforcement efforts, especially as Namibia eyes economic opportunities in the oil and gas sectors. He expressed concerns that corruption could derail these prospects and undermine efforts to improve national livelihoods and reduce poverty.
He emphasized that corruption poses a significant threat to national projects aimed at improving citizens' lives by diverting resources from critical investments in areas like education and public services. It also weakens institutions, undermines the rule of law, and erodes public confidence in the government.
Fillemon Enkali, ACC Swakopmund's senior public education and corruption prevention officer, pointed out challenges such as financial constraints and difficulties in obtaining permissions from some State institutions to engage their employees. These issues hinder the effective implementation of the commission's programs.
Enkali noted that the commission has reached approximately 1,400 people through awareness seminars and workshops in the past two years and conducted 44 ethics and integrity training sessions. Additionally, 150 life skills teachers have been trained to use an anti-corruption manual developed for schools.
The engagement aimed to account for the ACC's activities in the region and enhance public awareness of efforts to combat and prevent corruption.