Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698834302347.pdf (Namibia)
- 1 - - 177 - Thursday, 13 April 2023 No.

7 - 2023 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY QUESTIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS MINISTER: QUESTION NO.

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7.

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Prime Minister ................................................................ 15, 24, 25, 34, 37, 42 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation ...................................................................................... 48, 53 Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security 8, 30, 36, 46, 57 Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises ............................................ 49, 54 Minister of Education, Arts and Culture Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare Minister of Health and Social Services ......................................................... 31 Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation 10.
Minister of Mines and Energy ........................................................................ 1 11.

Minister of Justice 12.

Minister of Urban and Rural Development .................... 17, 18, 19, 39, 45, 51 13.

Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism ......................... 26, 38, 52, 55 - 178 - - 106 - 14.

Minister of Industrialisation and Trade ........................................................ 56 15.
Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform .................................. 27, 41 16.

Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources 17.

Minister of Works and Transport 18.

Minister in the Presidency 19.

Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service .................................. 7, 32, 33 20.

Minister of Information and Communication Technology ..................... 14, 50 21.

Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation ......... 4, 16, 21, 29 Question 1 (2023-02-15) Hon.
Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Minister of Mines and Energy: Last year there was a heated debate in the country about who owns our minerals in this country, it was a heated debate that went to the extent that Namibians came out strongly against exploitation of our minerals by foreigners.
Hon speaker, it is important to kick of this question with the quotation from our very own Constitution, our Constitution says “all minerals rights are vested in the state and are regulated by the minerals (prospecting and mining) act of 1992”.

Our minerals (prospecting and mining) act, 1992 (no.

33 stated amongst others that this is an act to provide for the reconnaissance, prospecting and mining for, and disposal of, and the exercise of control over, minerals in Namibia”.
Having quoted the above legal provisions on our statue books one would have assumed that guided by the above, we as a country should have been in total control of our minerals resources, but this appears to not be the case.

It was and it is still disheartening to have noted both the president and the Minister of Mines trying to tell this nation last year that whoever puts the bulk of the money upfront for the exploration purposes control our minerals and have the biggest share in the long run.
I would therefore like to ask the Hon Minister to confirm or deny that this government, and those who were Ministers before him have sold this country minerals for a song or not.

Giving you the benefit of doubt and that you will not answer me like some Ministers in this house do, as if when we ask questions they are doing us a favor, while it is their constitutional obligation to do so, I now ask the following: 1.
Is it true that almost all our mines are foreign owned and our government receive a pittance on behalf of the citizens only?

- 179 - - 107 - Is it true that Langer Heinrich Mine is 100% owned by Heinrich Uranium PTY LTD and government owns 0% and this is one of the biggest mines in the country?

2.

This mine is located at the foot of the Langer Heinrich Mountain in the Namib Desert near Swakopmund.
I must add that Namibia is ranked 4th largest producer of uranium worldwide, behind Kazakhstan, Canada and Australia and produce about 7.1 % of uranium oxide worldwide.

Why then does the country not benefit from its uranium and if this facts are correct, why does Langer Heinrich owns 100% of our uranium, while uranium is one of the five minerals resources that were declared strategic by the Namibian Government in 2011, is this hypocrisy on the side of the Namibian Government or simply negligent?
This mine was under care and maintenance and it is about to resume operation in 2024, my question is will it still continue under the same percentage allocation or not?

3.

Is it true that Rio Tinto owns 69% in the Rossing Mine, while Government only own 3%, Iranians 15%, SA 10%, others 3%?

This is the world’s longest running open pit uranium and has been in operation since 1976, and yet our government own only 3%.
This Mine produced 3.711 tons of Uranium oxide, it is the fifth largest uranium mine with 8% of global output, is this correct that we as Namibians owns only 3%?

Your Ministry extended this mine license in August 2022 for another 10 years from 2026 to 2036, one would like to know, have you extended it under this draconian, insensitive terms or are there new terms in which the Namibian people through you as the line Minster will benefit properly?

4.
4.

It is true that Scorpion Zinc mine is 100% owned by Vendata and Government own 0%, while Scorpion Zinc mine is the 8th largest zinc mine in the world producing special high grade (shg).

This mine has the potential to run for another 15 years, again more 15 years of nothing to the Namibian people I must add, I am aware that the mine is currently under maintenance but with a possibility of reopening soon for another 15 years.

5.
5.

Is it true that Tsumeb Smelter is 100% owned by Dundee Precious Metals a Canadian firm and again our government owns nothing at 0%?

This smelter process concentrate from the Tsumeb copper mine and is one of the only five commercial scale smelters in Africa?
The same scenarios are and continue to repeat itself as follows: Navachab Mine a subsidiary of QKR Corporation Limited that owns this mine 92.5% and the Namibian government owns a mere 7.5% Oshikoto Gold Mine B2 Gold owns 90% EVI Mining 10% and GRN 0% Husab Mine, Swakop Uranium 90%, GRN 10% Etango Uranium Mine, Bannerman Resources owns 100% and GRN 0% - 180 - - 108 - Trekkopie Mine it is owned wholly by Areva 100% and GRN 10% Norosa Uranium owned by Forsys Metal 100% and GRN 0% Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine owned by Glencore 80% and GRN 0% while 20% is owned by others one wonders who are the others.
Otjihase Tschidi Matchless Coper Mines owned by Weatherly International at 95.8%, GRN 2.65 and others 1.6% who are the others?

Hon.

Speaker, this point to a rather depressing picture that must not be allowed to continue.

Hon.
Hon.

Minister, you owe this nation a proper explanation as to what is happening to our minerals and why government allows potential investors in our mining sector, without government demanding adequate percentage for our raw materials or minerals, on behalf of the citizens of our country?

6.
6.

Is the above painted picture correct and if yes, why is the Namibian Government happy with this status quo and if not happy what are the immediate remedial interventions from the government to address this situation that is so bleak and really disappointing to the core?

How can a country so rich in minerals allow itself to be exploited by foreigners, while receiving peanuts for our minerals?

_________________ Question 4 (2023-02-15) Hon.


Kavekotora (RDP) asked the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation: One of my many motions currently circulating in relevant parliamentary standing committees deals with equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

I still maintain that equity must have been the vision of every Namibian who fought and yearned for total liberation of Namibia.

All Namibians are striving for a better life.


My motion on equity should have been a wakeup call to every Minister, every Chief Executive officer, every Commander of the Armed forces, the police and anyone running a government institution.

Discrimination and all discriminatory practices have the potential of fueling civil unrest in this country and could derail the much hailed peace and stability we all cherish.

Hon.
Hon.

Minister, I don’t know how you took the news in printed media that the majority of medical students’ intake at UNAM are from one tribal grouping?

The RDP and I did not take it lightly because we value the principles of equity, fairness and non- discriminatory practices.

Thus I ask: 1.

How equitable is the latest UNAM medical student intake?

- 181 - - 109 - 2.

Can you itemize the current UNAM medical student intake in percentage per tribal grouping?

3.
3.

What criteria were used in the selection process and how fair are these criteria to the minority grouping in Namibia?

4.

Can you share with this August House the breakdown of intakes of the previous 3 years/periods in per ethnic grouping?

5.

Assuming you are not happy with this situation, and education is the greatest equalize what do you intend to do to address this discriminatory practice?

_________________ Question 7 (2023-02-15) Hon.


Diergaardt (PDM) asked the Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service: Namibia currently only boasts 2 major stadiums, the Sam Nuyoma and Independence stadiums, but the two venues have since been downgraded by CAF and FIFA, as they do not meet the minimum standards for international football matches.

As a result of the banishment by CAF and FIFA, the national team has been forced to play all their international matches in South Africa at exorbitant costs.
Cabinet mandated the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service on behalf of Namibia to enter into a bidding process with Botswana.

Namibia has since approved the co-hosting bid of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament with Botswana.

Namibia approved in principle the joint bid to co-host with the Republic of Botswana on a 60:40 formula, with Namibia bearing the 40% costs and associated benefits.

Namibia has an intended budget of N$450 million for this tournament.
The matches will take place in Swakopmund and Windhoek, with the Independence stadium to host the matches in Windhoek.

It was also revealed that other venues will be renovated and serve as training venues for this international soccer tournament.

Due to the poor conditions of the stadiums, local sports continue to suffer because of the absence of quality sports facilities in the country.

I thus wish to ask the Honourable Minister the following: 1.
Why is there a key priority to only develop the sports stadiums for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament and not for the usage of local sports tournaments and events?

2.

Why is there a budget all of sudden to renovate the stadiums for this tournament and not a budget to renovate all stadiums in the country?

3.

Why is the Minister always oblivious about the state of sports facilities in the country?

_________________ - 182 - - 110 - Question 8 (2023-02-15) Hon.
Diergaardt (PDM) asked the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: People have lost their lives at the hands of the Namibian Police, who are trusted to protect the lives of people.

The most direct connection between police brutality and public health is the fact that police brutality kills and injures people.

The clearest indication out there is that we don’t regard police brutality as a public health issue.
Police brutality affects public health because it affects an indicator of population health, which is life expectancy.

Police brutality is also a major violation of human rights.

Incidents of police brutality in Namibia are swept under the rug.

I thus wish to ask the Honourable Minister the following: 1.

How many complaints of police brutality in Namibia have been received by the Internal Investigation Directorate to date?

2.

How many Police brutality investigations are currently underway?

3.
3.

How many prosecutions and convictions have been concluded?

4.

Is the Internal Investigation Directorate independent and impartial when investigating incidents of police brutality in Namibia?

_________________ Question 14 (2023-02-15) Hon.

Katjimune (PDM) asked the Minister of Information and Communication Technology: Hon.
Minister, We have in our possession information about the looting of State funds at the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), particularly in the Infrastructure and Maintenance Department falling under the Transmitter - DTT Projects Section.

In 2016, the NBC bought certain generators from a company called Procast Engineering.

On the initial tax invoice, the generators that were bought and paid for were five (5) John Deere generators, which were priced at a total cost of N$3.3 million.
These generators were to be supplied to various NBC stations at Opuwo, Signalberg, Gobabis, Corridor 13 and Eiseb 10.

However, the generators meant for Corridor 13 and Eiseb 10 have not been delivered up to date.

What is fundamentally concerning about the procurement of these generators is that the John Deere generators that were initially procured and paid for on the tax invoice are not the ones that were delivered.

Instead, Scania generators were delivered at Opuwo, Gobabis and Stampriet.
Of these, only the generator at Gobabis works.

This points to serious irregularities and fraud in the procurement of these generators and in the general operations of the Infrastructure and Maintenance Department of the NBC.

- 183 - - 111 - Even more concerning is that there was no commissioning by Procast Engineering to test the effectiveness of these Scania generators before they were procured, which ultimately led to the failure of the other two generators at Opuwo and Stampriet.
These failed Scania generators have joined the more than five (5) generators which are not operational at various offices of the NBC.

There are also various payments that were made for the repair and maintenance of certain generators to Procast Engineering, and no repair and maintenance has been done on those generators up to date and have been dumped at the premises of the NBC, pointing to a suspicious and corrupt relationship between the NBC and Procast Engineering.
I therefore ask the Honourable Minister the following: 1.

Can the Honourable Minister explain how the Infrastructure and Maintenance Department of the NBC ended up with Scania generators as opposed to the John Deere generators which were initially invoiced and paid for?

2.

Can the Honourable Minister account to this House as to why there has been up to date no repair and maintenance on various generators of the NBC, despite payments having been made to Procast Engineering in 2015 and 2016?

3.
3.

Last but not least, will the Minister launch a comprehensive forensic audit into the financial operations of the Infrastructure and Maintenance Department of the NBC in particular and into the NBC in general in order to get to the bottom of this fraud?

_________________ Question 15 (2023-02-15) Hon.

Dr. Iijambo (SWANU) asked the Prime Minister: Poverty, homelessness and landlessness in Namibia are not only real and prevalent but rampant.
These caused the nation to absolutely, if not overwhelmingly, with diminished sense of hope.

There is continuous destructive and retrogressive mismanagement of public funds.

Despite State denials and pretense by the powers that be, that corruption in Namibia is not systematic, an objective analysis will show that corruption in Namibia is actually institutionalized.

Political thieves who steal, launder our monies and corrupt to the bone with impunity are by far more dangerous than ordinary thieves.
Wrong personalities in the right people’s institutions happen to be one of the major factors to superficial poverty and exceeded unemployment.

Swanu of Namibia strongly propose/suggest it is time overdue to strengthen our national institutions, improve the dilapidated economy that hinges on hyperinflation and rescue our retrogressive social conduct.

- 184 - - 112 - Right Honourable Prime Minister, therefore the following questions: 1.
Can our education system be based on the country’s needs and aspirations?

Hence, move away from the regurgitatory system that emphasized memorization.

2.

The land issue was, continues to be and will always be of pivotal importance.

How long will sovereign Namibians live in the destructive, unlawful, less productive and unacceptable Odendaal Commission Homelands while former colonizers and elites own abundant land in the White stan?

3.
3.

33-years after independence, can we declare the degrading, historic Bantu- and White stans gross violation of human rights?

_________________ Question 16 (2023-02-21) Hon.

Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation: Hon.

Minister, I take it on face value that you are all too aware of the Education Act that stipulates that only the University of Namibia is allowed by law to offer LLB degree in Namibia.
Despite this provision in our Education Act which in any case to me is outdated and need urgent review, I must state that to me this is an outright monopolistic policy that have no place in a modern, open and education starved Namibia.

I must add that while this policy is still in place, the Qualification Authority of Namibia has accredited Triumphant College to offer a 3 year Law Advanced Diploma course.
Interestingly students studying this 3 year Advanced Diploma course are also funded by NSAF if they qualify making this College amongst those popular higher learning institutions in our country.

Hon.
Hon.

Speaker, I must add that those of us who have actually set in a class, studied into the wee hours of the night, did assignments and actually set for examinations with time limitations, can attest to the fact that, studying Law takes a strong mental state, perseverance and high discipline as it is one of the most difficult field of studies.

Here I’m not talking about the receivers of Honorary degrees who get them on a silver platter, not at all.
This is a field in which you must invest your time and commitment, equally it is not a cheap field to study as well.

Therefore it defies logic, and one would want to know what the men’s rea was of those who drafted this Education Act was at the time and I’m not referring to the criminal state of mind as in a criminal case, but merely asking the state of mind of those drafters of our Education Act at the time when they drafted this Act.
This question is important because on one hand you have an Education Act that give autonomy to Unam exclusively to offer an LLB degree in Namibia, while you have Triumphant College accredited by the Qualification Authority to offer Law at an Advanced diploma level.
- 185 - - 113 - However disappointingly is that students who completed their Advanced Diploma in Law at Triumphant College and apply to Unam must go and re-start their law studies from the first year, is this true Hon Minister as they don’t receive credits for subjects already covered during their three years studies at Triumphant College?

Hon.
Hon.

Minister, is it true that a young man/woman from Katutura can study law for three years at Triumphant College and then on completion, Unam does not recognize this qualification and the poor student can be admitted to the law faculty at Unam, but he or she must re start his or her study from scratch?
This then means that a Student who start at Unam doing law will study an LLB for only 4 years, while a student who first goes and study an Advance Diploma in law at Triumphant College, will altogether study for his or her LLB a combined 7 years?

What a waste, what a mockery of our education system, what a heartless education system we have in this country.

If indeed this is true Hon.


Minister, don’t you think this in an urgent matter that must be rectified with the outmost urgency it deserve forthwith, with the amendment of the Higher Education Act?
This is a wastage of our country resources and must be rectified soonest, because Government spend money for three years through NSAF educating this students at Triumphant College that goes to waste after their 3 years study in Law at this college, then Government spend another funds for another four years at Unam for them to obtain their LLB, this is pure illogical, wastage of meagre resources and at best misplaced in all its probabilities.

Hon.
Hon.

Speaker, the Minister owes this House serious and factual answers to the above questions, because this scenario cannot be allowed to continue for another day.

Parents spend their hard earned money to fund this students at Triumphant College that want to pursue Law for three years, only to be told after they graduate that Unam cannot give them credits for subjects already covered and that they must start afresh, what kind of mickey mouse education is this really, it is simply not on.
When will this monopoly granted to Unam come to an end in this country, whereby they are the only institution that have the right to offer an LLB degree?

Why can’t other higher institution of learning in Namibia not offer LLB, if we have the Namibia Qualifications Authority that can accredit such institutions to make sure that they meet the requirements to offer an LLB qualification just like UNAM?

Hon.
Hon.

Minister, you owe this nation an unfettered reply, bone to a bone, as thousands are waiting in anticipation for your answer and I hope that you will do so.

_________________ Question 17 (2023-02-21) Hon.


Swartbooi (LPM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: On 22 April 1990, Cabinet per Resolution FC/MPO/0821/012, as amended on 27 August 1991, resolved that all municipal houses situated in Proclamation 56 of 1951 areas, which were older than twenty years, be granted to the lessees or occupants thereof.
The Cabinet took this progressive decision on the basis, inter alia, that residents of - 186 - - 114 - the Old Location were expressly promised by the then colonial government, that they would receive houses if they moved to Katutura, after thirty years of occupancy of these houses.

This Government Alienation Scheme also included houses constructed in Khomasdal.

The total number of houses within this Scheme stood at seven thousand and sixty eight (7068) units.
The general thrust of the Government Alienation Scheme was to address black propertylessness, by transferring houses on the Title to our people.

The Alienation Scheme would end on 1st April 1999.

However, out of the initial total of seven thousand and sixty eight housing units, only four thousand one hundred and sixteen (4 116) residents of Khomasdal and Katutura participated.

The residents had to pay and amount of N$111 000.


The City of Windhoek also introduced its Alienation Scheme, allowing residents that did not participate in the Government Alienation Scheme to taking transfer of Title, to participate in the Municipal Alienation Scheme.

In this Municipal Alienation Scheme began to introduce requirements wholly different from the Government Alienation Scheme, including registration of a bond in favour of the Municipality.

I therefore ask the Minister as follows: 1.


What was the reason behind the exclusion of the remainder of about two thousand nine hundred and fifty two residents (2952) of Khomasdal and Katutura, from the Government Alienation Scheme?

2.
2.

If they were not excluded by government action, what investigations were done to determine their lack of participation in the Scheme, as they too were in the same or similar circumstances, both historically and financially, as the other four thousand one hundred and sixteen others who benefitted from the Government Alienation Scheme.

3.
3.

Was the City of Windhoek given authority to register a bond in their favour on the rental and service accounts that were outstanding, and if so, under which logical deviation, since the affected lessees under the Government Scheme were of similar economic and social status?

4.

What has been the overall impact on the lives and livelihoods of those residents who have not benefitted from the Government Alienation Scheme but have had to part-take in a much more stringent Municipal Alienation Scheme?

5.
5.

Have the requirements within the Municipal Alienation Scheme not been in direct contradiction of the Government Alienation Scheme?

And why was this allowed, and lastly, 6.

What will the Minister do to ensure that the residents that did not benefit from the Government Alienation Scheme and the Municipal Alienation Scheme, and who have become highly indebted to the municipality over the years, to assert their dignity as Namibians and transfer these houses in title to them?
_________________ - 187 - - 115 - Question 18 (2023-02-21) Hon.

Isaaks (LPM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: Question on local authorities budget implementation.

As per the powers vested in the Minister, however illogical they may appear, the budgets of local authorities are approved by the Minister.

After the approval of a budget there is a associated function of budget tracking.

In other words monitoring the implementation of the budget.
It follows that that function is performed through an appropriate mechanism designed to make possible accurate assessment of revenue collection and spending.

My question relates to the spending site.

1.

As the authority who approves the budget of local authorities, does the Minister have an appropriate mechanism in place to track budget implementation?

2.

If so, at what intervals is budget implementation reviewed?

3.
3.

Can the Minister tell this house at what level local authorities’ budgets were implemented as of January 2023?

4.

Can the Minister shed more light on the execution rate of capital budget, and the Ministry’s contribution to the capital budgets of the local authorities until January 2023?

5.
5.

Can the Minister also tell this house what the execution rates were in the 2021-2022 financial year of the local authorities, as well as the Ministry’s contribution to the capital budgets for the same financial year?

During the peak of COVID 19, local authorities were directed to provide uninterrupted water supply to residents.

This meant that local authorities were also not able to suspend water services to residents.

Naturally, they incurred additional debt.


This and other factors relating to the COVID 19 pandemic compounded the financial troubles that local authorities find themselves in, to the extent that most of them are unable to fund their operations.

This means that they are functionally insolvent.

During the last session of the last Parliament, the Honourable Henny Seibeb tabled a motion that debts accruing from the pandemic be forgiven the local authorities.
Just last month the Keetmanshoop Municipality had to be bailed out by it’s electricity unit, KEBU, to the amount of 2 million to pay salaries and other operations.

That is as bad as it is.

6.

Is the Minister aware of the financial calamity of local authorities, and how does you intend to intervene to ease the financial dire straits of his local authorities?

7.

When will the debt be forgiven?

_________________ - 188 - - 116 - Question 19 (2023-02-21) Hon.
Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: A certain Councillor, Mr. Lazarus Kanelombe was elected as one of the three (3) SWAPO Councillors for Karibib Local Authority, in 2020 Regional Council and Local Authority Elections.

He is currently the Chairperson of the Management Committee of Karibib Local Authority.

Councillor Kanelombe is permanently employed (as a Surveyor) by Swakopmund Uranium, some 180 kilometres from Karibib, effective since 15 November 2019.
Subsequently, Councillor Kanelombe stated in the sworn/affirmed declaration on 8 April 2021 that he resides in Karibib and provided his permanent residential address, as Erf No.

406, Second Street, Karibib.

However, the Erf mentioned in the police declaration is owned by QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine, and information was verified and affirmed by the Managing Director of QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine on 15 June 2021.

He affirmed that indeed Erf No.


406 was allocated already to a permanent employee of QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine and that this employee is the legitimate tenant of the said house.

In other words, Councillor Kanelombe provided false information to serve as one of Karibib Local Authority Councillors, and for that matter, as a Chairperson of the Management Committee contrary to the provisions in the Namibian Constitution, Article 111 (3), Local Authority Act of 1992 as amended Section No.
7 (1)(a), Local Authority Act of 1992 as amended, Section No.

13 (1)(h) and lastly, the Electoral Act, 2014, Act.

No.

5 of 2014 Section No.

13 (1)(b), hence the following question.

Questions: 1.

Are you aware of the situation that Councillor Lazarus Kanelombe allegedly challenged the Chief Executive Officer of Karibib Town Council to a fist fight and that the Management Committee meeting had to be cancelled as a result of this fracas last week?

2.
2.

Do you have Minutes of Karibib Town Council meetings, whereby this matter of the Councillor not residing in his area of jurisdiction, 12 months after elections was discussed and forwarded to you for your immediate attention and action?

3.

Are you aware that Councillor Kanelombe demands invitation letters every time from Karibib Town Council Management, to attend Management Committee and Council meetings, for onward submission to his employers at Swakopmund Uranium?

4.
4.

What steps/action will you take as a Minister, because Councillor Kanelombe provided false claims and false proof of residence to justify his motivation that he is, indeed from Karibib and lives in Karibib?

5.

Why do you keep on protecting Councillor Kanelombe despite claims that your office as well as the Office of the President is aware of this matter?

6.

Did Swapo Secretary-General instruct you not to take action with regards to this specific Councillor?
_________________ - 189 - - 117 - Question 21 (2023-02-21) Hon.

Muharukua (PDM) asked the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation: Section 9 (2), of Act 15 of 2015, places the collective duty of the board members to strive to achieve high standards of transparency and accountability taking into account the objects of the said Act and the need to obtain the best value for money in public procurement.
Section 10 (1)(c) emphasises that duty on individual members while subsection 1 (a) and (b) demands from individual board members fidelity, honesty, integrity and to act in the best interest of the Board and the procurement system; further, it demands the exercise of a reasonable degree of care and diligence in the performance the boards functions from individual board members.

Honourable Minister the 52% plus unemployment crisis is one that is felt by every household.
Every capital project undertaken in the Republic is therefore, not only a lifeline for the citizenry that are to benefit from the end product, but also for those who are engaged in the construction process of our capital projects.

One such project is the Okakarara Hotel School, as part of the upgrading of the Okakarara VTC.

I therefore wish to ask the Honourable Minister the following: 1.

Is it correct that the project was awarded to Octagon Construction (Pty) Ltd, as the contractor?

2.
2.

This contract was awarded to that contractor in April 2019, with the initial completion date of the project April 2021.

3.

Is it correct that despite the extension of the completion date to August 2021, the project completion remains pending?

4. Who are the directors of the said Octagon contractor?

5.

What is the gross value of the project?

6.

Of the project value how much is actually paid to the construction employees of the project?

7.
7.

What has hampered the completion of the project on the initial completion date?

8.

Why has the company failed to meet the second deadline?

9.

Do you then agree that 3 years after the award of the contract and 2 years after the initial extension of the completion date, it falls within the duties of the collective and individual board members to act in accordance with the cited Sections 9 and 10 duties respectively?

10.

If you are not in agreement with the immediately foregoing question, why not?
_________________ - 190 - - 118 - Question 24 (2023-02-22) Hon.

McHenry Venaani (PDM) asked the Right Honourable Prime Minister: The residents of the Bahnhoff community, 20km eastwards of Rehoboth are yet to be afforded the basic services owed to every citizen in an independent Namibia - the very services that are central to actualizing the promise of dignity for our people.
For over 32 years, this secluded community, of approximately 800 people have gone without a local clinic, adequate water infrastructure, neither a pre-primary nor a primary school.

The daily realities of the Bahnhoff community, and many others like itself, strikingly contrasts the development rhetoric of the National Planning Commission.

Thus, I ask: 1.
Thus, I ask: 1.

When in its development planning does the government envisage the establishment a school for the Bahnhoff community of the Rehoboth Urban East Constituency- to prevent the need for children to foot distances of over 20km in order to attend school?

2.

When in its development planning does the government envisage the provision a local clinic to service the healthcare needs of the Bahnhoff Community?

3.
3.

When in its development planning does the government envisage the Bahnhoff community’s enjoyment of adequate access to water by way of permanent water infrastructure?

_________________ Question 25 (2023-02-22) Hon.


Smit (PDM) asked the Right Honourable Prime Minister: For the past 30 years we have been constantly bombarded with media reports and photographic evidence of the way in which Namibia’s public infrastructure is being allowed to deteriorate and even fall into disuse or collapse because of lack of maintenance.

This is very distressing especially with regard to schools and hospitals that must be used by the general public.
Now, I’m sure we all realize that government property is actually the people’s property and is paid for by the taxpayers and only given to the government to use and care for on behalf of the people.

I now ask: 1.

Will the Right Hon.

Prime Minister explain to this August House what the government’s policy is regarding the proper and timely maintenance and repair all so-called government property?

2.
2.

Does this government actually believe that it is cheaper to allow property to collapse and then to build new buildings with money that could have been used to build more much-needed schools and hospitals?

_________________ - 191 - - 119 - Question 26 (2023-02-22) Hon.

Hengari (PDM) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: Hon.
Minister, over the last two years, I have had the privilege of working closely with an international, multi-partisan network of legislators working worldwide to solve the climate crisis and to help accelerate the energy transition.

The Green Climate Fund is a fund established within the framework of the UNFCCC as an operating entity of the Financial Mechanism to assist developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change.

Namibia is one of the benefactors of this fund.


An Annual Performance Report which presents the overall implementation progress of the projects including performance against GCF investment criteria, financial information, project logic framework targets indicators, and development of ESS, Indigenous Peoples, and Gender project elements is submitted to GCF by the Accredited Entity responsible for the implementation of the project; the report is currently undergoing review by the GCF.
In a recent report Hon.

Minister, you are cited to have said that the government will need N$112,3 billion to fight against climate change and that at least 90% of the funding will be sourced internationally and the Ministry plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 91% by the year 2030.

I thus ask: 1.

Hon.

Minister, how did you arrive at this amount of N$112,3 billion and is foreign funding the sustainable way to fight climate change?

If not, what is?

2.


May you furnish this House with a summary of the total amounts received thus far from the GCF and other agencies toward the fight against climate change?

3.

What have been some of the major projects executed to this end, kindly also indicate the cost per project?

4.
4.

In a recent report submitted to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) sixteen (16) grants projects valued at about four million three hundred thousand US dollar (USD 4,300,000.00) were completed and handed over to CBOs in nine (9) political regions of the country.

What has been the tangible impact of this USD4.3 million dollars and which regions were benefactors?

5.

Hon.
5.

Hon.

Minister, in the same report, the following are listed as challenges experienced during the implementation are listed * Adverse effects of COVID 19 on grantees, key stakeholders, and PMU to set meetings and visits, import materials and equipment.

* Travel restrictions due to the COVID 19 epidemic regulations, as well as dwindled income for tourism-related community projects.
- 192 - - 120 - * Delays in finalizing grantees’ report are due to inconsistent reporting from some grantees, especially those without technical partners.

What mechanisms has your Ministry through the National Designated Agency introduced to accelerate the implementation of projects and to reconcile reporting periods to avoid delays?

6.

Hon.

Minister, are these grants meant for projects received as a country, reaching those at grassroots level?

If yes, please motivate your answer.


_________________ Question 27 (2023-02-22) Hon.

Vries (PDM) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: Water is a fundamental right for Namibians as provided for by the Namibian Constitution under Article 6, which guarantees protection and respect for life.

Namibians, however, still cannot access clean water, notwithstanding the constitutional provision.
According to the Namibia 2011 Population and Housing Census report, access to clean drinking water in rural areas stood at 59%.

Sixteen per cent of rural households rely on unsafe water from rivers or streams, whilst 13% rely on unprotected wells.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform in 2020 secured a loan of nearly N$1.9 billion from the African Development Bank for the implementation of the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme (NWSSP), which is aimed at increasing access to quality and sustainable water supply.

The programme is implemented in the Ohangwena, Kavango West, Kavango East, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Khomas, Oshana, Omaheke and Omusati Regions.

I thus wish to ask the Honourable Minister the following: 1.
Have people in the Ohangwena, Kavango West, Kavango East, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Khomas, Oshana, Omaheke and Omusati Regions benefited improved access to clean water supply thus far?

If yes, how many?

2.

Have vulnerable households in the above mentioned regions observed improved sanitation facilities since the inception of the programme?

3.
3.

Has the programme generated the intended employment/livelihood opportunities in the Ohangwena, Kavango West, Kavango East, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Khomas, Oshana, Omaheke and Omusati Regions thus far?

If yes, How many are women and how many are youth?

4.

What is the status of the entire programme, in terms of implementation?

_________________ Question 29 (2023-02-22) Hon.


Katjimune (PDM) asked the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation: Student accommodation is one of the cornerstones for conducive and effective learning for thousands of higher education students at our various institutions of higher learning.
- 193 - - 121 - Upon completion of their high school careers, a significant majority of our students relocate from towns and villages across the breadth and width of our country to attend various institutions of higher learning in our city, particularly at UNAM, NUST and IUM.

These students often have no accommodation apart from the ones that are offered on campus by universities and funded by the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF).
Until 2017, NSFAF used to fully fund students who were accommodated at student residences, particularly at UNAM, NUST and IUM.

However since 2018, NSFAF amended that policy and now only funds around N$17 000 towards each students accommodation, which means that students must fork out the rest of the exorbitant amount.

For example, students at UNAM residences will have to fork out around N$11 000 from their own pockets to cover the remaining amount towards accommodation.
The result of this is that very few students can now afford accommodation at our universities.

The residences are empty.

At UNAM alone, there are still spaces for more than 500 students at its Old and New Hostels out of a capacity of 1 100.

The situation is the same at Emona residence.


This means that those who cannot afford the hostel are left out to hustle for accommodation in the rough streets of Windhoek by squatting with family members, friends and boyfriends, with some even resorting to prostitution.

I therefore ask the Honourable Minister: 1.

What informed NSFAF’s decision to amend their policy in 2018 to put a cap on funding for student accommodation?

2.
2.

Having discovered the disastrous consequences of this new NSFAF policy, will the Minister intervene and ensure that the policy is amended again in order to compel NSFAF to fully fund student accommodation at all our institutions of higher learning?

3.

If the answer to number 2 is in the negative, can we conclude that the Namibian government, through your Ministry and NSFAF, is not genuine about the plight of students in particular and youth in general?
Which is in stark contrast of the “Reimaging a Better Future for the Youth” budget theme that was paraded by the Finance Minister last year.

_________________ Question 30 (2023-02-22) Hon.

Mukwilongo (NEFF) asked the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: Hon.

Minister, we have a major problem in our country in terms of issuing work permits, especially to the Pakistanis that are fixing cellphones.
We have many young people in our country that are skilled and experts in this type of industry and yet we are issuing many work permits to the Pakistanis.

1.

Hon.

Minister, the work permits that have been issued in this type of industry, once they have expired, they should not be renewed again.

- 194 - - 122 - Our young people are more than enough in this country to do this type of job.

2.

Hon.
2.

Hon.

Minister, I urge you to stop issuing work permits in these industry, so that, it will give opportunity to our youth to grow their business in this industry.

_________________ Question 31 (2023-02-23) Hon.

Moongo (PDM) asked the Minister of Health and Social Services: Part of the Ministry’s strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic included the temporary ceasing of operations at the Windhoek Central Hospital’s Casualty Unit.
This placed additional pressure on the already overwhelmed Katutura Intermediate Hospital’s Casualty Unit and to some extent also to the Katutura Health Centre.

The Khomas Region has more or less a populace of 340 000 people who are heavily dependent on the emergency health services at the Katutura Intermediate Hospital Casualty Unit and the Katutura Health Centre’s Observation room.
In the past, the Windhoek Central Hospital Casualty unit, (now turned surgical and trauma ICU) would not only provide private patients with minor operations in its theatre and wound dressing services, but would attend to the emergency healthcare needs encountered by the residents.
Notwithstanding the importance of the surgical and trauma unit at the Windhoek Central Hospital, it is important to have a fully functional casualty unit at the Windhoek Central Hospital to help cater for the emergency healthcare needs of the 340 000 people in Windhoek.

1.

What has the effect of ceasing the operations of Windhoek Central Hospital’s Casualty Unit been, post COVID-19, and how is your esteemed Ministry addressing this?

2.
2.

Honourable Minister, picture the scenario of someone who is desperately in need of emergency healthcare, driving past the Windhoek Central Hospital going to the already overwhelmed Katutura Hospital to access emergency healthcare.

Is this the ideal provision of emergency healthcare the Ministry provides to the citizenry?

3.
3.

Would you agree with me that having a fully-fledged and operational casualty department at the Windhoek Central Hospital would relieve the burden currently being faced at Katutura Intermediate Hospital and the Katutura Health Centre?

_________________ Question 32 (2023-02-23) Hon.

Hengari (PDM) asked the Minister of Sports, Youth and National Service: Hon.
Minister, we have in our possession a follow-up performance audit report of the Auditor-General on unemployment amongst the Namibian youth for the fiscal years 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21.

- 195 - - 123 - Some of the major findings are that: 1.

The Ministry has not implemented the recommendations made in the AG’s report of 2009.
The Ministry continues delays in settling utility invoices, procuring study materials, upgrading facilities which poses a problem with regards to addressing youth unemployment in the country.

Notwithstanding your earlier appointment in 2010 and subsequent promotion to the current portfolio, Hon.

Minister, why, in your opinion, is it the standard practice for your Ministry to not implement recommendations dating back to 2009?
Especially considering that these suggestions will help reduce youth unemployment in the country in both direct and indirect ways.

Almost 15 years later the AG’s office is still singing the same song in tune.

2.

The Audit found that the youth centers do not have petty cash because all revenue generated by the centers was put directly into the State account under Treasury instructions.
The audit further reveals that center staff members go as far as to use their own money to purchase essential necessities for the effective operation of their individual centers.

To prevent staff members from having to pay out of their own pockets to keep their centers running, when will the Ministry begin working with key players like the Treasury to create mechanisms to ensure that centers have access to the funds they need to buy necessities and meet operational requirements on time?
May you furnish this House with what exactly has been done so far to put these mechanisms in place.

3.

It was also found that, because there was no set time period for putting orders to the head office (since requisitions at the time were centralized), the requests for materials and/or equipment were made on an ad hoc basis by submitting needs assessment forms.
I understand this process of seeking treasury approval to retain State monies, to allow for the opening of an account for each youth center and the maintenance of petty cash skilled workforce to operate was discontinued as per treasury rules.

When will the Ministry use this opportunity to engage with the Ministry of Finance to allow for the proper functioning of youth centers across the country?

Why has this not been done?

4.


It is further revealed that there were always delays as the head office takes a long time to respond to or to deliver the requested material/equipment.

Further, it was found that, to avoid disrupting the raining process, center staff members occasionally used their own money to acquire the basic study materials or asked the youth to provide their own supplies.
Honourable Minister do provide this House with a clarification as to why there are no controls in place to ensure that late supply of study materials and equipment and repairs to broken equipment are kept to a minimum?

When exactly will these controls be implemented, and what steps have been taken up to this point?

5.
5.

Interviews conducted, and documents analyzed indicated that Berg Aukas skills training center got the directive from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), to only cater for the Children of the Liberation Struggle (CLS) from 2016 to 2019.

- 196 - - 124 - What was the reason for this exclusion Hon.

Minister, seeing that this had the potential to deprive other young people who did not form of the CLS group of the opportunity to be trained?

6.
6.

Further documentary reviews reveal that the Berg Aukas youth skills training center where the CLS youth group were catered for, did not send them for any job attachments.

As a result, this group had no practical skills in line with industry practices.

The youth from this said group, however, were placed for employment in various government ministries and agencies through the office of the Prime Minister.

Hon.
Hon.

Minister, notwithstanding the importance of skills training for our country’ s youth, and the dire need for youth employment, furnish this House with clarification on selection criteria for youth skills training, what do you make of the AG’s findings?

What is the Ministry doing to ensure that in a free, independent, and equal Namibian society, the scourges of tribalism and discrimination do not in any way manifest themselves through the Ministry of Sports, Youth and National Service?
_________________ Question 33 (2023-02-28) Hon.

Iipumbu (NEFF) asked the Minister of Sports, Youth and National Service: The responsibility of government has always been to create a conducive environment for private sector business to operate as smoothly as possible without unnecessary competition.

A thriving private sector means a reduction of unemployment, an improvement on profits, taxes, salaries and wages and all this is good for livelihoods and for the state.
But when government creates unnecessary competition by entering into sectors, which should be left for the private sector, all these gains amount to nothing.

This government has competed with the private businesses in virtually all important sectors of the economy, and one of that is the security guard sector.
What is concerning is that after training at NYS, young people are deployed to be security guards and posting them at public institutions, where it end up in no pay, resulting in the strike witnessed some few weeks ago.

This said, I would like to direct the following questions to the Minister of as follows: 1.

To what extent has the participation of the government in the private security guard sector killed businesses of Namibians who have been creating employment for a majority of our people?

2.
2.

If the government is failing to pay salaries on time and creating a good working environment for NYS guards, what business does government have in training these guards and squeezing private security companies out of the sector?

3.

Besides simply castigating the strike of the guards as illegal, what measures have your ministry taken to get to the bottom of the matter in an attempt to arrest it?

4.
4.

What is the justification by your ministry for continuing to have government participation in the security guard sector via employing NYS guards and increasing the public sector wage bill?

- 197 - - 125 - 5.
- 197 - - 125 - 5.

Now that government is continuously committed to fund the NYS training, why are we not recruiting, Police Force, NDF from this experienced young people who have gone through thorough training already, rather placing them to institutions where they will be security guards, something that they were not trained for?

_________________ Question 34 (2023-02-28) Hon.


Dienda (PDM) asked the Right Honourable Prime Minister: The Performance Management System is an approach to achieving a shared vision of the purpose and objectives of Government Offices, Ministries, and Agencies.

It helps each staff member to understand and recognize his/her contribution to the strategic intent and thus manage and enhance the performance of the organization.

The Public Service is a key contributor to economic development in Namibia.
An efficient and effective public sector provides quality services and facilitates other sectors to perform optimally and improve the livelihoods of the citizenry.

Namibians continue to experience poor service delivery in government offices, ministries and agencies.

Extremely poor service delivery is experienced from the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation as well as the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service just to name a few.
There is an absolute lack of work ethic, professionalism and commitment to deliver quality services to the people.

I thus wish to ask the Honourable Prime Minister the following: 1.

Is the current Performance Management Policy effective to address the lack of service delivery in the public sector?

2.

Is the Performance Management Policy fully rolled out, internalized, and adopted in every Government Office, Ministry and Agency?

3.
3.

When will non-performing Ministers, their Deputies, and Executive Directors be held accountable for their lack of performance in the public sector?

_________________ Question 36 (2023-03-02) Hon.

McHenry Venaani (PDM) asked the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: Nearing the month end of December last year the newly appointed Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force was involved in a fatal car crash, where he is said to be the only survivor, leaving three dead.
According to a report of The Namibian, titled “Police Chief Involved in Accident”, published 30 December 2022, the police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi herself described information as “sketchy’’.

And indeed, sketchy it remains.


Inspector General, Joseph Shikongo, unlike every other person driving a car involved in a fatal accident and would be investigated for culpable homicide, has enjoyed unjustified immunity from the law, and was exempt from arrest and a breathalyser test – in direct contradiction with our laws.

- 198 - - 126 - Article 10(1) All persons shall be equal before the law.
While we know it is not within the ambit of their powers for members of the force to initiate the arrest of the Inspector General at the scene of the accident, equality and the values of constitutionalism were well within reach.

His Excellency, President Geingob could have invoked his power to order the arrest of the Inspector General.
As if this was not enough to undermine justice, Inspector General Joseph Shikongo remains in office, as head of NAMPOL, the very institution investigating the accident in which three Namibians lost their lives, and he, the driver, was the sole survivor.

Thus, I ask: 1.
Thus, I ask: 1.

Does your office recognise the conflict of interest presented by Joseph Shikongo being both the object of an investigation with an implication as serious as culpable homicide, while simultaneously serving as the head of the investigating institution?

2.

What mechanisms are in place to ensure that members of the force can investigate the accident without fear, intimidation or influence?

3.

Why wasn’t the Inspector General tested for alcohol at the scene of the accident?

4.
4.

Why hasn’t the Inspector General been arrest?

5.

Why hasn’t the Inspector General been suspended?

6.

Is it procedural and correct to have a vehicle removed from the scene of a crime or accident before the Crime Investigation Department visits the scene and takes pictures thereof?

7.

What are the consequences of negligence or failure to perform due diligence and correct procedures in an instance such as the one above described?

8.
8.

Why was the Inspector General’s vehicle removed from the accident scene in the absence of the CID and without pictures of the vehicle and scene being taken?

9.

What precedent does the handling of this case set?

10.

How should the public interpret the manner in which this case has been handled, in consideration of the issues here raised?

11 .Can the police be trusted to uphold law and order impartially?

_________________ Question 37 (2023-03-02) Hon.


McHenry Venaani (PDM) asked the Right Honourable Prime Minister: Time and time again the residents of Mariental, and the farmers within its vicinity are plagued with floods caused by the overflow of the Hardap Dam, and its compromised infrastructure.

The problem is only exasperated by the reeds growing in the rivers blocking water flow channels.
We have it on good record that at least twice divers have identified cracks in the dam wall that pose a serious threat to its integrity, and thereby - 199 - - 127 - to urban residents and farmers, who more likely than not, do not have the luxury of an insurance safety net protecting their hard earned material and financial interests.

This, in addition to the social, educational, and economic disruptions and consequences of the often devastating floods.

Thus, I ask: 1.

Is your office aware of the above?


2.

What measure does the government have in place to mitigate the risks that this presents to the people of Mariental?

3.

Is the ministry doing anything to remove these reeds and create additional channels to proactively release trapped water and offset against the likelihood of flooding?

4.

The African Peer Review Mechanism, which you would know we have acceded to, has added a fifth pillar which speaks to disaster readiness and risk mitigation.
How would we likely fare in this aspect its periodic review?

5.

As your office handles the national emergency fund, have you proactively thought to address the insurance needs of residents whose property would be damaged in the face of the government’s negligence in responding to the identified cracks in the dam wall?

It is against a mandate of her office to respond to national disasters, that I pose these, to the Right Honourable Prime Minister.

_________________ Question 38 (2023-03-02) Hon.


Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: The nation at large, and particularly the policy makers, and implementers of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) and its Policy Unit are concerned about the post-COVID-19 tourism strategy of Namibia.

Some African countries, such as Rwanda, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa have developed post-COVID-19 tourism strategies and strategic Plans for implementation.
Rwanda has invested heavily in Rwanda Air as part of the tourism marketing strategy as well as supplementing this with Visit Rwanda campaign by sponsoring Arsenal soccer club.

Recently, South Africa Tourism Board tried almost this strategy with Tottenham Hotspur before the outcry by the public in that country.

We all know by now that KORA investment was a wasted investment.

Hence, the following questions: 1.

What is our post-COVID-19 tourism strategy and plan?

2.
2.

Is Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) still active and when shall the permanent Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO) term come to an end?

3.

NTB faced financial problems in the previous two years to the point that they could not pay staff salaries and other related services.

Has the situation improved?

- 200 - - 128 - 4.

What is the strategy to attract more tourists as far as our domestic tourism market and international market is concerned?

5.
5.

How much is our annual affiliation/subscription fees at the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) and how many Namibians are working there now?

_________________ Question 39 (2023-03-02) Hon.

Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: You issued a communication to the Mayor of Khorixas Town Council, Her Worship Hon.

Lena #Gaeses on 13 February 2023 informing her about the employment contract of the Chief Executive Officer, which lapsed on 28 February 2023.
We understand that there was some meddling with the Special Council Meetings, which were held on 30 November 2022 and 13 December 2022 and that you advised the Council that since no substantive Ordinary Council Meetings were held in terms of Section 15(3) of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act No.

23 of 1992) that those Special Council Meetings remain invalid until confirmation at the proceeding of Ordinary Council Meeting.
On 28 February 2023, the governing political party at that local authority recalled two of its Councilors from the town council with immediate effect.

Hence, the following questions: 1.

We understand that there are some talks of municipal funds embezzlement at Khorixas Town Council.

Will you investigate such claims or refer them to the Anti-Corruption Commission?

2.
2.

Did you approach the Attorney-General to seek a legal opinion on the validity, criminality and forging of the Special Council Meetings which were held in November and December 2022, respectively?

3.

There are claims of misappropriation and embezzlement of funds at the town council.

Will you investigate such claims?

4.

Have you notified the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) about such claims?

5.
5.

When do we expect a response on the state of affairs of Khorixas Town Council insofar as it relates to the administration, management, financial audit, human resource audit and development projects audit, and your correspondence with the Attorney-General, the Auditor-General and Anti-Corruption Commission?

_________________ Question 41 (2023-03-02) Hon.

Van Den Heever (PDM) asked the Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: AGRIBUSDEV was established in the year 2011 to run 11 Green Schemes.
The Agricultural Business Development Agency, experienced serious governance, financial and operational deficiencies.

In addition, the running of the Green Scheme according to the Minister of Agriculture, observed that there were institutional challenges in the administration of the schemes.
AGRIBUSDEV could not pay salaries to its green scheme workers, while millions were appropriated annually by the central government, - 201 - - 129 - equipment were not functioning, some of the green schemes became a graveyard of broken equipment, spare parts were not available, the smallest decision about the farms were taken at the head office in Windhoek.

AGRIBUSDEV was dissolved as a result and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform is now responsible for the Green Schemes in Namibia.
Green schemes are aimed to contribute to the national goals to improve the level of food security at both households level and nationally, and to create employment opportunities in order to provide a secure foundation for sustainable and equitable growth throughout the economy.

There is great potential for Green Schemes in Namibia to produce enough food for Namibians, but the situation at Green Schemes is worrisome.

I thus wish to ask the Honourable Minister the following: 1.
When AGRIBUSDEV was operational, important equipment on the farms were broken.

What is the status of the much needed equipment on the farms at the moment?

2.

The ministry has taken over the responsibility of the Green Schemes in Namibia and therefore dissolved AGRIBUSDEV.

What will happen to AGRIBUSDEV itself, the state owned company?

3.

The employees of AGRIBUSDEV go to work every day just to go sit around, doing absolutely nothing.
Please explain the current role of the company since its initial role has been taken over by the ministry?

4.

What will happen to the 20 plus or minus employees of the now dissolved AGRIBUSDEV?

Will they be integrated in your ministry?

If yes, how many?

5.

Will the employees of AGRIBUSDEV receive severance packages if the company permanently closes its doors?

6.

How is the ministry currently addressing the plight of the plus or minus 500 Green Scheme Workers?

7.
7.

What drastic changes has the ministry implemented thus far since dissolving AGRIBUSDEV, to ensure productivity on the Green Schemes?

8.

Is the ministry still calling on foreign investors for the Green Schemes?

If yes, what will the modus operandi be of the foreign investors?

9.

What is the current productivity levels of the Green Schemes since the ministry dissolved AGRIBUSDEV?

_________________ Question 42 (2023-03-07) Hon.


Smit (PDM) asked the Right Honourable Prime Minister: The Tender Bulletin reports that His Excellency, President Hage Geingob has directly involved himself in Namibia’s procurement system by ordering the Ministry of Defence’s August 26-company to build classrooms at various government schools - 202 - - 130 - in Namibia.
This unwarranted interference has put numerous small and medium construction businesses in an untenable position, if we consider that the country’s construction industry is already on its knees, with many construction SMEs going out of business.

I now ask: 1.

Will the Right Hon.

Prime Minister explain to this August House why such an order was given instead of tenders being called for to allow SMEs to bid for a part of this business?

2.
2.

Is the President now taking over the work of the Procurement Board?

3.

Is it even constitutional for the President to issue such an order to a government entity over which Parliament has no jurisdiction?

4.

What is the value of this work?

5.

Will the Right Honourable Prime Minister rescind this order and allow SMEs to tender for the building of these classrooms?

_________________ Question 45 (2023-03-08) Hon.

Hamata (PDM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development: It was in 2021, Hon.
Minister, that the Helao Nafidi Town Council is said to have decided to auction off 55 poorly built, barely habitable houses in an attempt to offset the expenses the dismally failed projected presented.

The scandalous and shameful mismanagement of tax payers money quickly blew over Honourable Minister, be we, who represent the poor, we who earnestly represent the tax payer, we who are concerned for the well-being of the Namibian people, we refuse to forget.

Thus, I ask: 1.
Thus, I ask: 1.

Can you provide an update on the progress made by the Helao Nafidi Town Council with regards to the auctioning of the low-cost houses?

2.

Have any measures been put in place to ensure that the auctioning process is fair and transparent and will not be to the exclusive benefit of the connected, but will be opened and fully accessible to the deserving residents who need them the most?

3.
3.

Considering that the quality of these houses is incredibly poor and some of them do not have access to basic services such as water and electricity, would it be possible for the Ministry to direct that all houses be sold at a fixed price of N$100 000.00 each, as opposed to auctioned to the highest bidder, in order to ensure that they are affordable to low-income earners?

4.
4.

Is the Minister aware that beneficiaries of these poor quality homes are being forced to pay off these homes within twelve months even though they are said to be for “low income earners”?

- 203 - - 131 - 5. Who of the low income earners can afford N$260,000.00 cash or is the Ministry advocating for debt generations where banks benefit more leaving people stranded?

Is that one of Harambee solutions to housing in Namibia?

6.
6.

What is the Ministry doing to address the issue of poor quality housing in the country and to prevent a recurrence of such wastage of public funds in the future?

7.

Similarly, Honourable Minister, considering the quality of the 55 houses, and the magnitude of the loss it presents for the council and tax payers, what to your mind, would the benefit of construction industry regulatory council be for your Ministry, and government at large?

_________________ Question 46 (2023-03-08) Hon.


Dienda (PDM) asked the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: Namibia and Botswana signed a memorandum of understanding on the 24th February 2023 to permit citizens of the two countries to use identity cards to cross their borders.

The agreement is said to eliminate barriers to the free movement of people, goods and services.
While free movement will be implemented, we cautiously need to ensure that the aspects of criminality and security threats are closely watched.

The integrity of passports is a key component of national and international anti-crime and anti-terrorism strategies.
Because travel documents can be powerful tools in the hands of criminals or terrorists, controlling the security of a country’s travel document and its issuance processes directly impacts not only national and international security but also international respect for the integrity of the document.

I thus wish to ask the Honourable Minister the following: 1.

Namibians can currently only obtain an ID from 16 years.

Does this mean that those under the age of 16 must travel with passports?

2.
2.

How will this new initiative ensure that national security is not compromised?

3.

Please explain the integrity of the new Namibian ID’s and the Botswana ID cards in relation to national and international anti-crime strategies?

4.

The demand for the new ID cards will increase because of this new initiative between Namibia and Botswana.

Does the Ministry have the capacity to meet this demand in terms of issuing the new ID’s?

5.
5.

What will happen in instances when the courts of law constrains people to surrender their travel documents?

Will the people also then surrender their ID cards since the ID cards are now also regarded as travel documents?

6.

People use IDs for almost every important issue on a daily basis like financial transactions, applications, and declarations just to name a few.

If people have to surrender their IDs when obligated by the courts of law, it will surely negatively impact the lives of the people.
Can the Ministry explain how this implication will be addressed?

- 204 - - 132 - 7.

When exactly will this new initiative come into effect?

_________________ Question 48 (2023-03-14) Hon.


Swartbooi (LPM) asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: The Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation (MIRCO) is entrusted with the primary function of formulating, promoting, and executing Namibia’s foreign policy and the conduct of Namibia’s international relations.
However, MIRCO has for the past years not provided a clear foreign policy, which articulates the country’s developmental desires and goals.

Namibia’s economic and political diplomacy has failed to emerge as one of the key driving instruments in our development agenda.

It is against this background that I ask the following: Questions: 1.

What are the core tenets of the Namibian Foreign Policy in terms of Economic Diplomacy?

2.
2.

How many Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) did the Minister attract during her tenure in terms of Billions of Namibian Dollars?

Please list all the international companies/multinational companies and a number of direct jobs created as a result of this Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)?

3.

How many Local Authorities signed Twining Agreements to benefit the economic development of communities during her tenure?

Can the Minister quantify?

4.


Has the Ministry integrated Regional and Local Government Representatives in their Foreign Policy work?

And how many regional and local authority leaders have been taken to market and promote Namibia as a destination of choice?

5.

How many Namibian businesses have been connected to broader International Markets?

6.
6.

Do you have any collaborative/joint priority projects with the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT), and Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB)?

_________________ Question 49 (2023-03-14) Hon.

Dienda (PDM) asked the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises: In Namibia, State-Owned Enterprises have acquired a reputation for mismanagement.
Theft and misappropriation of funds do take place, and in several high-profile cases money has mysteriously gone missing after being invested with other companies.

Furthermore, State-Owned Enterprises face a wide range of issues like liquidation, weak accounting systems and serious corporate governance issues.
According to Sections 9 and 10 of the Public Enterprises Governance Act, Board of Directors are appointed to govern and direct all public enterprises on behalf of the shareholder which is the government.

- 205 - - 133 - The role of Board Members at State Owned Enterprises is extremely important.

Recently, Board Members of different State-Owned Enterprises did not turn up for an important Induction Training organised by the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises.
Only 7 out of 38 Board Members showed up.

The majority of the Board Members that did not show up, gave no apology or excuse.

It is a clear indication that the Board Members disregard their duties.

I therefore wish to ask the following: 1.

Board Members from 6 State Owned Enterprises failed to issue an apology or excuse for not attending the training.

This is a clear disregard for instructions.

Honourable Minister, can you explain what the consequences will be?

2.
2.

This is an indication of neglect to their responsibilities.

What is the status of all the State-Owned Enterprises in Namibia in terms of corporate governance?

3.

How will the Board Members implement decisions if they cannot even attend important induction trainings which are meant to equip them with the much needed information?

4.

In fact, why must they still be kept as Board Members if they don’t show any interest in attending important induction trainings?

5.
5.

Most Board Members have full time permanent jobs and some even serve on more than one board.

This means that they are probably not interested to attend trainings or they simply do not have time.

When will the Ministry address the issue of appointing already overloaded Board Members and even recycling Board Members?

6.

Can you share with this August House how many Board Members at all State- Owned Enterprises in Namibia serve on more than one board and what is the impact thereof on their performance?
7.

Poor financial performance have been observed at different State-Owned Enterprises in Namibia, with constant bailouts from the Government.

What is the current financial standing and financial performance of all State-Owned Enterprises in Namibia, since Board Members seems not be interested in training and capacity building?

_________________ Question 50 (2023-03-14) Hon.

Dienda (PDM) asked the Minister of Information and Communication Technology.
The NBC has its Headquarters located in Windhoek and Regional Offices in Keetmanshoop, Katima Mulilo, Rundu, Oshakati, Otjiwarongo and Swakopmund.

A Facebook post was made this morning by a certain Real Estate company, detailing that the NBC building in Swakopmund is up for rent.

The post further indicates that the NBC building will be available for rent on the 1st of April 2023.

- 206 - - 134 - I therefore wish to ask the Honourable Minister the following: 1.
The employees of the NBC Swakopmund Office are unaware of this new development.

Why is such important information withheld from the employees?

2.

Why is the NBC Swakopmund building up for rent in the first place?

3.

Information has it that the NBC Swakopmund office is relocating to another building in Swakopmund at the end of this month (March 2023).

Is NBC going to rent this building they are moving into?

If yes, what will the cost implications be?

4.


Where will the new NBC Swakopmund Offices be located?

_________________ Question 51 (2023-03-14) Hon.

Hengari (PDM) asked the Minister of Urban and Rural Development.

Over 33 years after independence, it is an undeniable fact that urban and suburban areas offer more opportunities for acess to valued public services including education, healthcare employment, and land ownership.
Because of this, people who were formerly confined to their villages now travel in large numbers to the urban and suburban areas in search of a better standard of living.

There is no doubt that our rural population is continuing to migrate to towns in search of better opportunities and a better way of life.

As the growth of informal settlements in urban areas places strain on the limited resources of local authority councils to provide basic services such as water and sanitation.
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that those at the regional and local levels embrace-based and statistical forecast planning methodologies in the estalishment, development, and later formalization of rural areas.

Hon.

Minister, it is reported that over 200 residents of the Okakarara constituency in the Otjozondjupa region are engaged in mass townland-grabbing at a rapid rate.
As a leadership of this country we are duty-bound to ensure that our communities are conducive by providing efficient and effective service delivery in all sectors.

In so doing we will eliminate the risk of mass illegal settlements and land grabbing.

I thus ask: 1.

In what way has the Ministry intervened in this mass-land grabbing taking place in Okakarara?

2.

People generally move from rural areas to urban and semi-urban areas due to the lack of electricity and well-functioning water supplies.
Has the Ministry engaged other line Ministries and stakeholders in charge of facilitating the provision of water and electricity in the surrounding rural areas of Okakarara?

If not, why not and when does the Ministry intend to engage this stakeholders?

- 207 - - 135 - 3.

This issue of land grabbing keeps reinventing itself, each year, what amicable strategies and mechanisms are being employed to resettle these residents and when will these be employed?

4.
4.

What strategies does the Ministry intend to employ to address the issue of under- development of rural areas across the country?

_________________ Question 52 (2023-03-15) Hon.

Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
We took note of current conversations in Namibia about the concerns by hunting associations in southern African countries, constituting Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) are enraged that hunting trophies will not be allowed to enter the United Kingdom territory.

This will have a major implication to our tourism sector.

Questions: 1.

Hon.

Minister, are you aware of this latest development?

2.
2.

Did you meet other Ministers of Environment and Tourism forming core of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) to address this situation?

3.

What is our two-way tourism traffic and tourism statistics with the United Kingdom?

4.

How much, in monetary terms and services and industry are we stand to lose out as a country?

5.

Hon.

Minister, did you meet the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to discuss this critical situation?

6.
6.

What remedial action will you employ to address this situation?

7.

Have you engage the Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE), Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) in this regard to get better advice and commitment to ensure that our trophy hunting industry is not affected in economic terms negatively?

_________________ Question 53 (2023-03-15) Hon.

Seibeb (LPM) asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
President Kais Saied of Tunisia drew international criticism and concern of stoking anti-Black racism in which he ordered a crackdown on sub-Saharan African migrants and lashed out at a perceived plot to erase Tunisia’s identity.

The comments fanned racist abuse targeting black people in Tunisia, and prompted some African countries to evacuate their citizens.

- 208 - - 136 - Questions: 1.

What is our diplomatic relationship with Tunisia, both in political and economic context?
What is the two-way trade between our two countries?

2.

How many Namibians live in Tunisia?

If any, do we have evacuation plans?

3.

Hon.

Minister, you did not condemn Tunisian President but you condemned murderers of George Floyd etc.

in the past.

Why don’t you condemn the actions of the racist Tunisian President?

And do you approve his racist ideology?

4.

Did our President (Dr. Hage Geingob) raised his concern about this renewed racism occurring at the African Union level?

5.

Hon.
5.

Hon.

Minister, have you summoned the Tunisian Ambassador to Windhoek and inquire about their country’s stance regarding racism?

_________________ Question 54 (2023-03-15) Hon.

Seibeb (LPM) asked the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises.

We received information in good confidence that NIDA was unable to pay salaries for its workers in Naute Dam month end, and did not also pay overtime for over six months.

Questions: 1.
Questions: 1.

Is it true that NIDA did not pay its workers at Naute Dam for last month, as well as overtime in the past six months?

2.

How did NIDA ended up employing the current manager at Naute Dam, who has failed in Aussenkehr at the grape farms?

3.

Is NIDA meeting production targets and if so, why are they not paying the workers overtime which is due to them?

_________________ Question 55 (2023-03-15) Hon.

Dr. Iijaambo (SWANU) asked the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.
Our different species of animals roam the diverse beautiful savanna, forests and grasslands of Namibia.

Some will be found in the length and breadth of our deserts.

Since time immemorial people cohabitated and lived off the variegated species of important animals in our country, like lions, they only slaughtered what they needed to consume.

Not for pleasure.

Considering the emotive and absolutely sensitive land issue, SWANU of Namibia suggest that there be a ceiling for land ownership in the country.
- 209 - - 137 - The land issue was, continue to be, and will always be of pivotal importance.

Consequently, unless we undo what was officially and legally systematically promulgated by the apartheid regime, we cannot have an equitable, egalitarian and transparent society.

Our martyrs perished as a result of the genuine struggle for land.

The following questions are therefore worth serious consideration.

1.

Why do we allow ourselves to be part of the trophy hunting bandwagon?

2.
2.

If all animals are part and parcel of Namibia’s biodiversity, who solely benefit from the trophies hunted?

3.

Why allow few bourgeois around the globe, especially from developed countries to devastate our animals through trophy hunting?

4.

Have we reduced our variegated precious animal species to trophies that does not benefit all?

5.

How many rich individuals are allowed to hunt how many trophies per annum?

6.
6.

What will our future generations be left with, if we are so desperate about the lucrative profits gained from trophy hunting currently?

7.

According to the licensing department of the Ministry, a trophy hunting licence is worth N$100.

Honourable Speaker, Honourable Members, Fellow Namibians, the average amount of a single Big Five easily amounts to ±N$50,000-00.

Who possesses the hunting licence?

8.


The reality of our country’s political economy and common sense, which happen not to be common, dictates that this boils down to the unresolved restitution of the prevalent land question.

Who own our land?

9.

Does our sovereignty’s political will if any, capacitate us to redefine and re-demarcate ourselves?

_________________ Question 56 (2023-03-23) Hon.

Smit (PDM) asked the Minister of Industrialisation and Trade.
About ten years ago, the government of the Republic of Namibia reportedly spent more than N$130 million on two abortive projects in the Republic of Congo, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

These two projects were at the time described as trade parks for the transmission of Namibian goods into the two Congo’s, and even beyond.
It was claimed at that point in 2012 that a trade hub near the Brazzaville harbour and a cargo depot near Lubumbashi in the DRC’s Katanga Province will open up trade for Namibian goods into the central African market.

- 210 - - 138 - Needless to say, both projects were abandoned as pipedreams, but only after a very substantial amount of government resources had been wasted.
According to reports at that time, the accumulated losses for both ports were in the vicinity of about N$130 million by the time they were abandoned.

The attempts to establish such trading depots or trade hubs were confirmed by the then Minister of Finance, Hon.

Calle Schlettwein.

Now it appears these projects are not dead after all.
Despite the gross negligence and wastage of ten years ago, the government propaganda mouthpiece, the New Era newspaper during February this year ran a prominent article on the government’s renewed attempts to establish so-called “industrial estates” at Brazzaville and Lubumbashi.

Even quoting a spokesperson for the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, New Era remains very vague on the detail of the endeavours.
What can, however, be gathered from the New Era report is that both pieces of land are undeveloped and there is little mention of the N$130 million that has already gone into these two projects.

It is a veritable farce to refer to the two pieces of land as “estates.” New Era quotes the ministry as saying that roads will have to be built and that the ultimate idea is to establish trading hubs for Namibian meat and other products to access the markets in central and West Africa.

Therefore, I now ask: 1.


Is this reports by the New Era newspaper true?

2.

Did the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade put out a statement claiming that it is the ministry’s intention to develop the two sites?

3.

Has a feasibility study been done for these two projects and if so, will the Hon.

Minister publish them for public scrutiny?

4.

What are the budgeted costs for developing both trade hubs, and over how many fiscal years will the project run?

5.
5.

What is the amount of money that has already disappeared into the two sites?

6.

In which currency will the projects be financed?

7.

What are the estimated costs for both, i.e.

the trade hub near Pointe Noire in Brazzaville and the dry port near Lubumbashi?

8.

Where will the N$1 billion estimated by New Era come from to finance these projects?

9.

In which language will the bi-lateral agreements be drafted?

10. Who are the Namibian civil servants who will drive the process?

11.
11.

What is the involvement of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation?

- 211 - - 139 - 12. Who will oversee and supervise the two projects if indeed, two construction sites will have to be managed during the construction phase?

13.

If these projects ever come to life, who will manage them?

14.

Finally, unsustainable projects like these can only materialise if they are driven by specific individuals behind the scenes.

Who are the people that will benefit if these projects go ahead?
_________________ Question 57 (2023-03-28) Hon.

Kauandenge (NUDO) asked the Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.

Hon.

Minister it was only yesterday when Namibians fought bitterly against South African racist Government apartheid laws, pledging that once we attain our independence we will get rid of all those oppressive laws.
It is therefore surprising that we have laws such as the 1989 Public Gathering Proclamation still on our statue books in this day and age in an independent Namibia.

A proclamation that was used to put many of our people in prison during that time and we haven’t changed it to fit with the new independent Namibia narrative.
Equally of late we are informed that police brutality against innocent civilians are on the increase as to date over 248 civil cases against the police have been opened for assault to illegal detention of members of the public.

This has resulted in Government paying over 3 Million and still counting after being found guilty by the courts.

I thus ask: 1.

The right to protest can be located in Article 21(1) (D) of our Constitution, Hon.
Minister do you agree with me that the 1989 Proclamation on Public Gathering is in total conflict with the provisions of our Constitution and that it needs to be amended with immediate effect?

2.
2.

In light of the above stated ever increasing cases of civil cases lodged against the Namibian police officers, do our police officers get basic legal training in order for them to establish the Mens Rea and Actus Reus in any given case before arresting a person, to avoid being sued later for illegal detention or arrest of a member of the public?

3.

Because this are the two most important elements for one to get a conviction in especially criminal cases.
Is it perhaps also not here at the level of investigation and arrest where many cases are thrown out, because they are dead on arrival and the magistrate has no other option then to struck them from the Roll?

4.

Would you agree with me that although Police officers act on behalf of the State in the execution of their duties that somehow they must be made to pay from their own pockets, when found guilty of brutality and disregarding the law when arresting or dealing with members of the public?
- 212 - - 140 - 5.

Because as it stand they can beat someone, or arrest someone without following due process and at the end of the day the State is liable and pays up, which means us the tax payers continue to foot the bill of those unruly police officers?

6.

Hon.
6.

Hon.

Minister do you still maintain that you have a professional police force in this country, while the evidence suggest that you have a police force that is at war with its own citizens, and that lacks the most important ingredients that must be present when working with civilians which is empathy?

7.

Finally Hon.
Minister do you agree with me that we as people representatives must be able to identify and repeal oppressive laws now while we can, while we have this positions of power, failure to do so once we become ordinary citizens we or our kids, families risk to face the same ordeal, and by that time when we cry out and pinpoint the shortcomings in those laws, Namibians will say but you were there, you had all the powers to change those laws but you conveniently ignored them, because at the time the system protected you and you did not feel them?