Source: http://lawsdocbox.com/Legal_Issues/73119384-Whistleblower-protection-act-10-of-2017-gg-6450-act.html
Timestamp: 2019-08-24 11:46:10
Document Index: 785869827

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5', 'ART 6', 'ART 7', 'ART 8', 'ART 9', 'ART 10', 'ART 11', 'ART 1', 'ART 2', 'ART 3', 'ART 4', 'ART 5']

Whistleblower Protection Act 10 of 2017 (GG 6450) ACT - PDF
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1 (GG 6450) This Act has been passed by Parliament, but it has not yet been brought into force. It will come into force on a date set by the Minister in the Government Gazette. ACT To provide for the establishment of a Whistleblower Protection Office; to establish procedures for making disclosures of improper conduct; to provide for the investigation of disclosures of improper conduct and protection of whistleblowers; to provide for investigation of complaints of detrimental action; to provide for the review of certain decisions; to provide remedies for persons against whom detrimental action is taken; and to deal with incidental matters. (Signed by the President on 6 October 2017) 1. Definitions 2. Improper conduct 3. Authorised persons 4. Investigation agencies 5. Detrimental action ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS PART 1 PRELIMINARY PART 2 WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION OFFICE 6. Establishment of Whistleblower Office 7. Functions and powers of Whistleblower Office 8. Appointment of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 9. Tenure of office and conditions of service of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 10. Vacation of office by Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 11. Removal from office of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners
2 Republic of Namibia 2 Annotated Statutes 12. Acting Commissioner 13. Functions of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 14. Appointment of other staff members of Whistleblower Office 15. Investigation officers 16. Special investigators 17. Administrative directives 18. Investigation reports to employers 19. Annual report PART 3 WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE 20. Establishment of Committee 21. Object of Committee 22. Functions and powers of Committee 23. Meetings and procedure 24. Disclosure of interest 25. Other matters to be prescribed PART 4 DESIGNATED EMPLOYERS 26. Designation of employers 27. Chief executive of designated employer to establish code of conduct 28. Chief executive of designated employer to establish internal disclosure procedures PART 5 DISCLOSURE OF IMPROPER CONDUCT 29. Persons who may make disclosures 30. Disclosure of improper conduct 31. Manner of making disclosure 32. Reduction of disclosure to writing 33. Action by authorised person 34. Submission of copy of disclosure to Commissioner 35. Anonymous disclosures 36. Public disclosures PART 6 INVESTIGATION OF DISCLOSURES OF IMPROPER CONDUCT 37. Disclosures relating to employment 38. Disclosures made to other authorised persons 39. Action by Commissioner after reference 40. Investigation of disclosures by Commissioner 41. Application for court assistance 42. Report to Commissioner 43. Action by Commissioner 44. Disclosures that are protected 45. Whistleblower protection 46. Protection of confidential information PART 7 WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION
3 Republic of Namibia 3 Annotated Statutes 47. Immunity from civil or criminal proceedings 48. Protection from detrimental action 49. Protection under Witness Protection Act, Void contractual terms 51. Legal assistance 52. Termination of protection PART 8 COMPLAINTS OF DETRIMENTAL ACTION 53. Complaints of detrimental action 54. Commissioner s decision whether to investigate 55. Investigation of detrimental action 56. Commissioner s decision after investigation PART 9 WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION REVIEW TRIBUNAL 57. Establishment of Tribunal 58. Secretarial work of Tribunal 59. Seat of Tribunal and jurisdiction 60. Costs 61. Contempt of Tribunal 62. Rules of Tribunal 63. Expenses of Tribunal 64. Appeals from Tribunal PART 10 PROCEEDINGS BEFORE TRIBUNAL AND REMEDIES 65. Proceedings of Tribunal 66. Review proceedings 67. Parties in matters referred by Commissioner 68. Remedies for detrimental action 69. Powers of Tribunal to grant remedies 70. Disciplinary action against person taking detrimental action 71. Personal liability 72. Additional remedies for employee whistleblowers 73. Relocation from place of employment PART 11 GENERAL 74. Reward for making disclosure 75. Reward on recovery of money 76. Amendment of section 76 of Prevention of Organised Crime Act, Amendment of section 84 of Labour Act, Regulations 79. Guidelines and information 80. Short title and commencement BE IT ENACTED as passed by the Parliament, and assented to by the President, of the Republic of Namibia as follows:
4 Republic of Namibia 4 Annotated Statutes PART 1 PRELIMINARY Definitions 1. In this Act, unless the context indicates otherwise - authorised person means any of the persons specified in section 3 to whom a disclosure can be made; chief executive means the person who, in Namibia, is the administrative head of an employer or a part of the employer s organisation or who occupies any other similar position by whatever title or designation he or she is called; Commissioner means the Commissioner for Whistleblower Protection appointed in terms of section 8(1); Committee means the Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee established by section 20; complainant means a whistleblower or any person related to or associated with the whistleblower who makes a complaint under section 53 of having been, being or likely to be subjected to detrimental action in retaliation for having made a disclosure of improper conduct; confidential information includes - information about the identity, occupation, residential address, work address or whereabouts of - (i) (ii) a whistleblower or a person related to or associated with the whistleblower; and a person against whom a whistleblower has made a disclosure of improper conduct; information disclosed by a whistleblower; and information that, if disclosed, may cause detriment to any person; Deputy Commissioner means a Deputy Commissioner appointed under section 8(2); designated employer means an employer designated as such under section 26; detrimental action means any of the actions described in section 5; disciplinary action means any action taken as a result of the commission of an act or an omission which constitutes a breach of discipline in a public body or private body or at a place of employment as provided by law or in a code of conduct or ethics or circulars of an employment contract; disclosure means - the revealing of information which is not known to the person receiving it; or in a case where the information is already known to the person receiving it, bringing the information to his or her attention;
5 Republic of Namibia 5 Annotated Statutes employee and employer have the same meanings given to them by section 1 of the Labour Act, 2007; ethics and integrity officer means a person designated as such in terms of section 28(2); improper conduct means any of the types of conduct described in section 2; investigation agency means any of the agencies listed in section 4; investigator means a person appointed as an investigation officer in terms of section 15 or as a special investigator in terms of section 16; Labour Act, 2007 means the Labour Act, 2007 (Act No. 11 of 2007); Labour Commissioner means the Labour Commissioner referred to in section 1 of the Labour Act, 2007; Minister means the Minister responsible for justice; Ministry means the Ministry responsible for the administration of matters relating to justice; Permanent Secretary means the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; prescribed means prescribed by regulation made under section 78; Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 2004 means the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 2004 (Act No. 29 of 2004); public body includes - any office, ministry or agency as defined in section 1 of the Public Services Act, 1995; any local authority council as defined in section 1 of the Local Authorities Act, 1992 (Act No. 23 of 1992); any regional council as defined in the Regional Councils Act, 1992 (Act No. 22 of 1992); any other functionary or institution exercising a power or performing a function in terms of the Namibian Constitution or exercising a public power or performing a public function in terms of any law; Public Service Act, 1995 means the Public Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 13 of 1995); registered employers organisation means an employers organisation that is registered as such under Chapter 6 of the Labour Act, 2007; registered trade union means a trade union that is registered as such under Chapter 6 of the Labour Act, 2007; staff member of the Whistleblower Office means a Deputy Commissioner and any staff member of the Whistleblower Office appointed in terms of section 14; this Act, includes any regulation, code of conduct or guideline made or issued under this Act; [The comma after this Act is superfluous.]
6 Republic of Namibia 6 Annotated Statutes Tribunal means the Whistleblower Protection Review Tribunal established by section 57; whistleblower means any person who makes a disclosure of improper conduct in terms of this Act; Whistleblower Office means the Whistleblower Protection Office established by section 6; and Witness Protection Act, 2017 means the Witness Protection Act, 2017 (Act No. 11 of 2017). Improper conduct 2. (1) For the purposes of this Act, improper conduct is conduct which if disclosed and proved shows or tends to show that - a criminal offence has been committed, is about to be committed or is likely to be committed; a person has - (i) (ii) violated any of the fundamental human rights and freedoms protected by Chapter 3 of the Namibian Constitution or is in the process of violating any of those fundamental human rights and freedoms or is likely to violate any of those fundamental human rights and freedoms; or not complied with a provision of any law or is in the process of contravening a provision of any law or is likely to contravene a provision of any law which provision imposes an obligation on that person; (e) (f) (g) (h) a miscarriage of justice has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur; a disciplinary offence has been committed, is about to be committed or is likely to be committed; in any institution, organisation or entity there has been, there is or there is likely to be waste, misappropriation or mismanagement of resources in such a manner that the public interest has been, is being or is likely to be affected; the environment has been degraded, is being degraded or is likely to be degraded; the health or safety of an individual or a community is endangered, has been endangered or is likely to be endangered; or information showing or tending to show that any of the matters falling within paragraphs to (g) has been, is being or is likely to be deliberately concealed. (2) For purposes of subsection (1) disciplinary offence means an act or an omission which constitutes a breach of discipline in a public body or a private body or at a place of employment as provided for by law or in a code of conduct or ethics or circulars of an employment contract. Authorised persons
7 Republic of Namibia 7 Annotated Statutes 3. (1) For the purposes of this Act, the following persons or entities, are authorised persons to whom a disclosure of improper conduct may be made - the Commissioner or a staff member of the Whistleblower Office who has been designated by the Commissioner to receive disclosures; in the case of an employee, the employee s supervisor or other senior member of the employer who has been designated by that employer to receive disclosures; in the case of a designated employer, the person who has been designated by that employer as the ethics and integrity officer of the employer; or a person, institution or entity declared by the Minister by notice under subsection (2) to be an authorised person. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the Minister may, on the recommendation of the Commissioner, by notice in the Gazette declare any person, office, institution or entity to be an authorised person. (3) The Minister, after consultation with the Committee, must issue one or more codes of conduct regulating the conduct of authorised persons in the performance of their functions or exercise of powers under this Act. (4) The Minister may issue different codes of conduct in respect of different categories of authorised persons. (5) The Minister must publish the code of conduct referred to in subsection (3) in the Gazette. (6) A code of conduct issued under subsection (3) may prescribe penalties for any contravention thereof or failure to comply therewith not exceeding a fine of N$ or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months, or both such fine and such imprisonment. Investigation agencies 4. (1) The following entities are investigation agencies for purposes of this Act - (e) (f) the Ombudsman referred to in Article 89 of the Namibian Constitution; the Anti-Corruption Commission referred to in Article 94A of the Namibian Constitution; the Namibian Police Force referred to in Article 118 of the Namibian Constitution; the Namibian Central Intelligence Service referred to in Article 120A of the Namibian Constitution; the Namibian Correctional Service referred to in Article 121 of the Namibian Constitution; the department or directorate dealing with immigration matters in the ministry responsible for immigration matters; (g) the office of the Commissioner for Customs and Excise referred to in section 2(1) of the Customs and Excise Act, 1998 (Act No. 20 of 1998); and
8 Republic of Namibia 8 Annotated Statutes (h) any office, ministry, agency, local authority or regional council or other body set up by any law including a unit, section, division, department of such office, ministry, agency, local authority or regional council or other body, conferred with investigation and enforcement functions by any law or having investigation and enforcement powers and which the Minister has declared by a notice under subsection (2) to be an investigation agency. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(h), the Minister on the recommendation of the Commissioner, may by notice in the Gazette declare any office, ministry, agency, local authority or regional council or other body set up by any law to be an investigation agency. Detrimental action 5. (1) For the purposes of this Act, a person is considered to be subjected to detrimental action if that person - being an employee, is subjected to intimidation, harassment or any action causing personal harm or injury or loss or damage to property or any interference with his or her lawful employment by the employer or a fellow employee or by any other person or an institution; or not being an employee, is subjected to discrimination, intimidation, harassment or any action causing personal harm or injury or loss or damage to property or any interference with his or her business or livelihood by any person or an institution. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1), interference with a person s lawful employment includes - (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) dismissal; suspension; redundancy; demotion; refusal of transfer or promotion; transfer against his or her will; alteration of working conditions or retirement to his or her disadvantage; discriminatory or adverse treatment in relation to that person s employment, career, profession, trade; taking of disciplinary action; or a threat to take any of the actions referred to in paragraphs to (i). (3) For the purposes of this Act, detrimental action is prohibited or actionable if the action is taken against the whistleblower or a person related to or associated with the whistleblower. PART 2
9 Republic of Namibia 9 Annotated Statutes Establishment of Whistleblower Office WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION OFFICE 6. (1) There is established in the public service, an independent and impartial office to be known as the Whistleblower Protection Office to perform the functions and duties as provided for in this Act or in any other law. (2) The Whistleblower Office consists of - the Commissioner; one or more Deputy Commissioners; and other staff members appointed in terms of section 14 or seconded in terms of the law governing secondments in the public service from staff members in the public service. (3) The Public Service Act, 1995 applies to the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner and the other staff members of the Whistleblower Office, except to the extent as provided otherwise by this Act or as is inconsistent with this Act. (4) The Whistleblower Office is an office in the public service as contemplated in the Public Service Act, Functions and powers of Whistleblower Office 7. (1) The Whistleblower Office, under the overall supervision and direction of the Commissioner, must perform the functions and exercise the powers entrusted to it by or under this Act including the following - (e) (f) (g) investigation of disclosures of improper conduct made under this Act and consideration of the validity of such disclosures and the determination of appropriate action to be taken in relation to such disclosures; consideration of reports and other matters referred to it in terms of this Act and to take appropriate action; investigation of complaints of detrimental action, and where appropriate reference of complaints to the Tribunal for remedial action; appearing before the Tribunal as a public interest party in proceedings relating to complaints of detrimental action before the Tribunal; initiating and laying criminal charges against any person who has committed or is alleged to have committed a criminal offence under this Act; issuing temporary prohibition notices and applying for confirmation of such notices before the Tribunal as contemplated in section 46; establishing programmes to educate the public concerning the provisions of this Act and the necessity for disclosures of improper conduct;
10 Republic of Namibia 10 Annotated Statutes (h) (i) (j) (k) giving policy directions to employers, authorised persons, investigation agencies and other persons involved in the implementation of this Act on best practices to ensure effective implementation of this Act; generally overseeing the effective implementation of this Act; exercising any powers and performing any functions conferred or imposed on it by this Act, and any powers that are necessary or expedient for or incidental to the achievement of its objects; and exercising any powers and performing any functions as may be prescribed. (2) When performing the investigative functions of the Whistleblower Office under this Act, the Commissioner, a staff member of the Whistleblower Office or an investigator authorised thereto in writing by the Commissioner has, subject to such necessary changes as may be required by context, the same powers, privileges and immunities as those conferred on the Ombudsman by section 4 of the Ombudsman Act, 1990 (Act No. 7 of 1990) and the provisions of that section do apply to an investigation under this Act as if it were an inquiry or investigation conducted by the Ombudsman under that Act. (3) All other matters in connection with the Whistleblower Office or arising from this Act may be prescribed. Appointment of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 8. (1) The President, subject to this section, must appoint as Commissioner for Whistleblower Protection, a person whom the President considers suitable and who - is of good character and of high integrity; and possesses an appropriate qualification in law and has not less than 10 years relevant legal experience acquired in either the public or private sector. (2) The President, subject to this section, may appoint as Deputy Commissioner or Deputy Commissioners, one or more persons whom the President considers suitable and who - is or are of good character and of high integrity; and possesses or possess qualifications and experience as may be prescribed. (3) Whenever the need for the appointment of the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner arises, the Minister must - in writing, invite the Magistrates Commission established by section 2 of the Magistrates Act, 2003 (Act No. 3 of 2003) to nominate one person for each vacant position to be filled and, depending on the number of vacancies to be filled, to submit the name or names of the person or persons so nominated to the Minister; and submit to the National Assembly, the name or names of persons nominated in terms of paragraph. (4) On receipt of the name or names of persons submitted to it in terms of subsection (3), the National Assembly may -
11 Republic of Namibia 11 Annotated Statutes by resolution, approve the name or names of the persons so nominated that it considers suitable for appointment and submit the name or names to the President for appointment; or reject the person or persons so nominated and request the Minister to submit the name or names of other persons to be considered for appointment. (5) A person is not eligible to be appointed as Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner if that person - (e) is a member of the National Assembly or National Council; is a member of a regional council or a local authority council; is not a Namibian citizen or lawfully admitted to Namibia for permanent residence; is an unrehabilitated insolvent; or has, during the period of 10 years preceding the date of appointment, been convicted of - (i) (ii) theft, fraud, forgery or uttering a forged document, perjury or any other offence involving dishonesty; or any other offence for which a sentence of imprisonment without the option of a fine has been imposed. Term of office and conditions of service of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 9. (1) The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners are appointed on a full-time basis for a period of five years and may be reappointed upon expiry of their terms of office. (2) The conditions of service of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners are determined by the President with the concurrence of the Minister responsible for finance and the approval of the National Assembly. (3) The Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner may not - engage in the day to day management of any business or occupation; take part in the management of the affairs of any political party; or be a salaried employee of any person or organisation. (4) The provisions of the Public Service Act, 1995 in relation to requirements for appointment, tenure of office, conditions of service suspension and dismissal from office do not apply to the Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner in so far as they are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. (5) As soon as practicable after their appointment, and thereafter at such times as the Minister may require, the Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner must each furnish to the Minister a statement setting forth particulars of their assets and liabilities, including the nature and extent of any interest which they may have in any business or occupation or in any company or close corporation.
12 Republic of Namibia 12 Annotated Statutes Vacation of office by Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 10. The office of the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner becomes vacant if he or she - resigns from office by written notice to the President; becomes subject to a disqualification referred to in section 8(5); or is removed from office under section 11. Removal from office of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 11. (1) The Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner may be removed from office if he or she - has failed to comply with a condition of his or her appointment; is unable to perform the functions of his or her office by reason of mental or physical infirmity; fails to perform efficiently the duties of his or her office; or has been guilty of misconduct. (2) If the question of the removal from office of the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner arises, the President must notify the Chief Justice who, after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission established by Article 85 of the Namibian Constitution, must within 30 days appoint a board to inquire into the matter and submit a report and recommendations to the President. (3) The board consists of - a chairperson, being a person who - (i) (ii) has held office as judge of the Supreme Court or High Court of Namibia; or is qualified to be appointed as judge of the Supreme Court or the High Court of Namibia; and two other members who are of good character and integrity. (4) If the question of removal from office of the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner is referred to the board, the President may, subject to such conditions that he or she may determine, suspend the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, from exercising the functions of his or her office pending inquiry by the board, but the suspension lapses if the board recommends to the President that the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner should not be removed from office. (5) The board must inquire into the matter in accordance with such rules as the board may make conforming to the rules of natural justice. (6) The board must within 30 days after conclusion of the inquiry submit its report and recommendations to the President.
13 Republic of Namibia 13 Annotated Statutes (7) If the President, on receipt of the board s report and recommendations, finds that the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner, as the case may be, should be removed from office, the President must communicate that finding and the reasons therefor by message to the National Assembly within 14 days after the finding if the National Assembly is then in session or, if the National Assembly is not then in session, within 14 days after its next session starts. (8) The President must remove the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner from office upon adoption by the National Assembly of a resolution calling for that person s removal from office. Acting Commissioner 12. (1) If the office of the Commissioner is vacant or the Commissioner is absent from duty or unable for any reason to perform the functions of his or her office, a Deputy Commissioner must act as Commissioner but the President may, after consulting the Minister, and subject to section 8, appoint another suitable person to act temporarily as Commissioner. (2) If the offices of both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are vacant or if both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are absent or unable for any reason to perform the functions of their offices, the President, after consulting the Minister and subject to section 8, must appoint another suitable person to act as Commissioner during such vacancy or temporary absence. (3) The President must as soon as possible after making an appointment under or in terms of subsection (1) or (2), inform the National Assembly about the appointment. (4) A person acting as Commissioner in terms of subsection (1) or (2) may not act for a period of more than 12 months. (5) A person appointed as acting Commissioner while the office of the Commissioner is vacant is entitled to the salary attached to that office for the period that he or she so acts. Functions of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners 13. (1) The Commissioner is the head of the Whistleblower Office and, subject to the provisions of this Act, the Namibian Constitution and any other law - is responsible for the direction, control and management of the Whistleblower Office; and must perform all the functions assigned to, and exercise all the powers conferred on, the Commissioner by or under this Act or any other law. (2) A Deputy Commissioner performs the functions conferred by this Act on the Deputy Commissioner or as may be assigned to him or her by the Commissioner. (3) All public bodies, and where appropriate other persons, must render such assistance as may be reasonably required in the exercise, performance or carrying out of the powers, functions and duties conferred upon, assigned to or imposed upon the Commissioner or any staff member of the Whistleblower Office by or under this Act. (4) The Commissioner must, at such times or intervals of time as may be agreed between the Commissioner and the Committee or at the request of the Committee, report to the Committee generally on any matter relating to, or arising from the performance of functions or
14 Republic of Namibia 14 Annotated Statutes exercise of powers of the Whistleblower Office under subsection (1), or under any other provision of this Act. Appointment of other staff members of Whistleblower Office 14. The other staff members of the Whistleblower Office referred to in section 6(2) as may be required for the proper performance of the functions of the Whistleblower Office are appointed in terms of the Public Service Act, Investigation officers 15. (1) The Commissioner must, from among the staff members referred to in section 14, appoint persons to be investigating officers for the purposes of this Act. (2) An investigating officer - has such powers, functions and duties as may be provided for by this Act or as may be delegated or assigned to the investigating officer by the Commissioner; and must exercise such powers, perform such functions and discharge such duties in compliance with the directions or instructions as may be specified orally or in writing by the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner or any other staff member of the Whistleblower Office superior to him or her in rank. (3) The Commissioner must issue an identification card to every staff member appointed as an investigating officer in terms of subsection (1). (4) The identification card referred to in subsection (3) - must be signed by the Commissioner; and is prima facie evidence of the appointment of the person concerned. (5) An investigating officer must show his or her identification card to any person in relation to whom he or she may seek to exercise any power or perform any function or duty under this Act. Special investigators 16. (1) The Commissioner, with the approval of the Minister, may appoint a person who has expert knowledge in a particular field to be a special investigator to investigate any matter forming the subject of, arising out of or relating to, a disclosure or detrimental action, or any aspect thereof, specified - in the instrument appointing the special investigator; or in a written notice given to the special investigator by the Commissioner. (2) A special investigator is appointed on a temporary basis as agreed between the Commissioner and the person and must perform his or her functions - subject to the control and direction of the Commissioner; and on the terms and conditions as the Commissioner and the special investigator may agree.
15 Republic of Namibia 15 Annotated Statutes (3) The Commissioner must issue an identification card to a person appointed as special investigator in terms of subsection (1). (4) The identification card referred to in subsection (3) - must be signed by the Commissioner; and is prima facie evidence of the appointment of the person concerned. (5) A special investigator must show his or her identification card to any person in relation to whom he or she may seek to exercise any power or perform any function or duty under this Act. Administrative directives 17. The Commissioner, with the approval of the Minister, may issue administrative directives, not inconsistent with this Act or the Public Service Act, 1995, on the general control, training, duties and responsibilities of staff members of the Whistleblower Office, and for such other matters as may be necessary or expedient for the good administration of the Whistleblower Office or the prevention of the abuse of power or neglect of duty, and generally for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the Whistleblower Office. Investigation reports to employers 18. If the Commissioner considers it necessary, he or she may report any matter that arises out of an investigation carried out under this Act to the Minister or the Minister responsible for the sector or the public body that was the subject of the investigation or, if the matter relates to a private sector employer, to its board or governing body and to its chief executive, including, but not limited to, when the Commissioner is of the opinion that - action has not been taken within a reasonable time in respect of one or more of his or her recommendations made under section 39(3); and a situation that has come to his or her attention in the course of carrying out his or her duties exists that constitutes an imminent risk of a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment. Annual report 19. (1) The Commissioner must, within three months after 31 March of each year, submit to the Committee a report on the activities of the Whistleblower Office during the previous year. (2) Without derogating from the generality of subsection (1), the annual report must set out - the number of general inquiries relating to this Act; the number of disclosures received and complaints made in relation to detrimental action, and the number of those that were acted on and those that were not acted on; the number of investigations commenced under this Act;
16 Republic of Namibia 16 Annotated Statutes (e) (f) (g) (h) the number of recommendations that the Commissioner has made and their status; in relation to complaints made in relation to detrimental action, the number of referrals to the Tribunal and decisions to dismiss them; whether there are any systemic problems that give rise to improper conduct; any recommendations for improvement that the Commissioner considers appropriate; and any other matter that the Commissioner considers necessary. (3) Despite subsection (1), the Commissioner may, at any time, prepare a special report referring to and commenting on any matter within the scope of his or her powers and duties under this Act if, in his or her opinion, the matter is of such urgency or importance that a report on it should not be deferred until the time provided for the submission of the annual report and submit the report to the Committee. (4) The Committee must, within 14 days of receipt of a report submitted to it under subsection (1) or (3) or within such extended period as the Minister may allow but which period must not exceed 30 days, consider the report, make such comments and recommendations as it considers fit and refer the report to the Minister. (5) The Minister must submit the report referred to in subsection (4) to the National Assembly within 30 days after receipt thereof or, if the National Assembly is not then in session, within 30 days after commencement of its next session. PART 3 WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Establishment of Committee 20. (1) There is established a committee to be known as the Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee. (2) The Committee consists of - (e) (f) (g) the Permanent Secretary who is the chairperson of the Committee; the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister; the Ombudsman referred to in Article 89 of the Namibian Constitution; the Director-General of the Anti-Corruption Commission referred to in Article 94A of the Namibian Constitution; the Inspector-General of Police referred to in Article 119 of the Namibian Constitution; the Director of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service referred to in section 3 of the Namibia Central Intelligence Service Act, 1997 (Act No. 10 of 1997); the Environmental Commissioner referred to in section 1 of the Environmental Management Act, 2007 (Act No. 7 of 2007);
17 Republic of Namibia 17 Annotated Statutes (h) (i) one person appointed by the Minister, having due regard to fair gender representation, from a list of persons nominated by an organisation that represents registered employers organisations as contemplated in subsection (3); and one person appointed by the Minister, having due regard to fair gender representation, from a list of persons nominated by an organisation that represents registered trade unions as contemplated in subsection (3). (3) Before making an appointment in terms of subsection (2)(h) or (i), the Minister must in writing or in any other prescribed manner invite an organisation that the Minister reasonably believes represents registered employers organisations and an organisation that the Minister reasonably believes represents registered trade unions to each nominate, within the time specified in the invitation, not less than two and not more than four persons to be appointed as members of the Committee pursuant to that subsection. (4) If the organisation representing employers organisations or the organisation representing trade unions fails to nominate persons within the period specified in subsection (3), the Minister may appoint any person that he or she considers suitable to be a member of the Committee. (5) The Commissioner is the secretary of the Committee and he or she must keep or cause to be kept minutes of the meetings of the Committee and other records as the Committee may require. (6) A member of the Committee referred to in subsection (2) to (g) ceases to be a member if he or she no longer holds the office or position which entitled him or her to be a member of the Committee. (7) A member of the Committee referred to in subsection (2)(h) or (i) holds office for a period of five years but he or she is illegible for re-appointment at the expiry of his or her term of office. [The word eligible is misspelt in the Government Gazette, as reproduced above.] (8) A member of the Committee appointed in terms of subsection (2)(h) or (i) must vacate his or her office if the member - is convicted of an offence and sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine; resigns his or her office by giving the Minister one month s notice in writing of his or her intention to resign; has been absent for three consecutive meetings of the Committee without leave of the Committee; or is removed from office by the Minister under subsection (9). (9) The Minister may at any time, after affording the member an opportunity to make representations remove a member appointed in terms of subsection (2)(h) or (i) from office - [There should be a comma after the phrase after affording the member an opportunity to make representations.] on the ground of misconduct;
18 Republic of Namibia 18 Annotated Statutes on account of continued ill-health; on account of incapacity to perform the duties of his or her office efficiently; or for any other reason that the Minister considers good and sufficient. (10) A member of the Committee appointed in terms of subsection (2)(h) or (i) who is not in full time service of the State is entitled to be paid out of the funds allocated by Parliament for the purposes of the Whistleblower Office, such remuneration and allowances as may be determined by the Minister with the approval of the Minister responsible for finance but, any member of the Committee may be reimbursed for any reasonable costs or expenditure that are not recoverable by him or her from any other source. Object of Committee [The comma after the word but is misplaced and should appear before the word but.] 21. The main object of the Committee is to advise - the Minister on high level policy matters relating to whistleblower protection in Namibia; and the Whistleblower Office generally on the exercise of its powers and performance of its functions under this Act. Functions and powers of Committee 22. (1) Without derogating from the generality of the object of the Committee mentioned in section 21, the functions of the Committee are to - make recommendations to the Minister regarding policy matters, including amendments to this Act and the making of regulations and issuing of guidelines under sections 78 and 79, respectively; advise the Minister on the formulation of whistleblower protection policies in accordance with the current law and international best practices; give advice to the Whistleblower Office generally on the performance of its functions and exercise of powers its in terms of this Act; and [The phrase powers its should be its powers.] perform any other functions as may be conferred by this Act or any other law. (2) The Committee may establish one or more subcommittee or subcommittees consisting of members of the Committee to carry out any of its functions. Meetings and procedure 23. (1) The first meeting of the Committee must be held at such time and place as the Minister may determine, and thereafter, meetings of the Committee are held at such times and places as the Committee may determine, but the Committee must hold at least three meetings every year.
19 Republic of Namibia 19 Annotated Statutes (2) The members of the Committee must, at the first meeting of the Committee, elect from among themselves a vice-chairperson of the Committee. (3) The chairperson of the Committee - may convene a special meeting of the Committee when he or she considers that it is necessary to hold such special meeting; or must convene a special meeting of the Committee when the Minister or at least three members request the chairperson to do so. (4) The chairperson, or in his or her absence, the vice-chairperson or in the absence of both the chairperson and the vice-chairperson, such member as the members present have elected must preside at a meeting of the Committee. (5) Five members form a quorum at a meeting of the Committee. (6) A decision of a majority of the members present at a meeting of the Committee is the decision of the Committee and, in the event of an equality of votes, the person presiding has a casting vote in addition to his or her deliberative vote. (7) A decision of the Committee, or an act performed under the authority of such a decision, may not be rendered invalid by reason only of a vacancy on the Committee or the fact that a person who is not entitled to sit as a member of the Committee did so sit when the decision was taken, if such decision was taken by the requisite majority of the members of the Committee who were present at the time and entitled to vote. (8) The Committee may permit a staff member of the Whistleblower Office whose input may be necessary on any matter to be considered at any meeting to attend and to take part in such discussions of the Committee as in the opinion of the Committee relate to such matter, but that staff member is not entitled to vote. (9) The chairperson of the Committee must cause a record to be kept of the proceedings of its meetings, and must cause that record to be submitted to the Minister as soon as possible after a meeting of the Committee. (10) The Committee may make rules relating to procedure at its meetings and at meetings of subcommittees established under section 22(2). Disclosure of interest 24. (1) A member of the Committee or a person present at a meeting of the Committee who has a personal or financial interest in a matter for consideration by the Committee must disclose in writing the nature of that interest and is disqualified from participating in the deliberations of the Committee in respect of that matter unless the Committee decides otherwise. (2) A member of the Committee may not personally or through another person transact any business or trade with the Whistleblower Office. (3) A member or a person who contravenes or fails to comply with subsection (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N$ or to imprisonment to a period not exceeding five years, or to both the fine and imprisonment.
20 Republic of Namibia 20 Annotated Statutes Other matters to be prescribed 25. The Minister may prescribe other matters relating to the Committee that may be necessary to ensure that the objectives of this Act are achieved. Designation of employers PART 4 DESIGNATED EMPLOYERS 26. (1) The Minister may, subject to subsection (2) and after consultation with the Committee, by notice in the Gazette designate employers or classes of employers to whom the provisions of this Act apply. (2) Before making a designation under subsection (1), the Minister must by notice in the Gazette and in such other manner that the Minister having regard to the circumstances considers appropriate, invite organisations or institutions that represent the interests of employers and of employees in Namibia to, in the prescribed manner, make representations to the Minister and to the Committee on the proposed designation. (3) A notice referred to in subsection (1) must - identify the employers or classes of employers that the Minister intends to designate as employers to whom the provisions of this Act apply; and contain such other information which the Minister considers necessary to ensure that both the affected employers and employees as well as the organisations or institutions representing them are able to make informed representations on the proposed designation. (4) In deciding whether to designate employers or classes of employers pursuant to subsection (1), the Minister must consider any representations made pursuant to subsection (2) and the views expressed by the Committee during consultations pursuant to subsection (1), and must, without any limitation, take into consideration the following factors: the size of the employer s organisation; the number of employee s employed by the employer and the nature of work that the employees perform; [The word employee s should be employees.] (e) the nature of the business activity or trade that the employer is engaging in or service that the employer is rendering; the likelihood that acts of improper conduct may or may not occur in the course of or within the employer s business activity or trade; and any other factor that the Minister considers necessary to make a decision. Chief executive of designated employer to establish code of conduct 27. (1) The chief executive of every designated employer that is a public body must establish a code of conduct applicable to that public body.
21 Republic of Namibia 21 Annotated Statutes (2) The code of conduct established by a chief executive of a public body that is an office, a ministry or an agency as defined in the Public Services Act, 1995 must be consistent with any code of conduct established by the Prime Minister pursuant to that Act. (3) The chief executive of every designated employer that forms part of the private sector must establish a code of conduct applicable to that employer. (4) The codes of conduct established under subsection (1) or (3) apply to every employee employed by the relevant designated employer. Chief executive of designated employer to establish internal disclosure procedures 28. (1) The chief executive of every designated employer must establish internal procedures to manage disclosures made under this Act by employees employed by that designated employer. (2) The chief executive of every designated employer must designate a senior officer to be known as the ethics and integrity officer who is responsible for receiving and dealing with, in accordance with the duties and powers of an ethics and integrity officer set out in a code of conduct established under section 27, disclosures of improper conduct made by employees employed by that designated employer. (3) The chief executive of every designated employer must - subject to any other law and to the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice, protect the identity of persons involved in the disclosure process, including that of persons making disclosures, witnesses and persons alleged to be responsible for the improper conduct; establish procedures to ensure the confidentiality of information collected in relation to disclosures of improper conduct; and if improper conduct is found as a result of a disclosure made under section 30, comply with section 37. (4) A person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of this section commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding N$ or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 15 years, or to both the fine and imprisonment. Persons who may make disclosures PART 5 DISCLOSURE OF IMPROPER CONDUCT 29. A disclosure of improper conduct may be made to an authorised person by - an employee in the public or private sector, in respect of his or her employer; an employee, in respect of another employee; or any person, in respect of another person or a public or private body or institution. Disclosure of improper conduct 30. (1) A disclosure of improper conduct may be made -
22 Republic of Namibia 22 Annotated Statutes by an employee - (i) (ii) in the case of a designated employer, to the designated ethics and integrity officer of the designated employer; or in the case of any other employer, to the employee s supervisor or a person designated by the employer to receive disclosures, in respect of his or her employer or another employee in cases where the conduct complained of pertains to that employee s employment or place of employment; by an employee to any authorised person, other than the persons referred to in paragraph, in respect of his or her employer or another employee in cases where the conduct complained of pertains to the employee s employment or place of employment; or by any person to an authorised person, other than the persons referred to in paragraph, in respect of any other conduct which falls outside the scope of the employment relationship. (2) A disclosure of improper conduct concerning the Commissioner, a staff member of the Whistleblower Office or the Whistleblower Office may be made to the Ombudsman of Namibia who has, in relation to that disclosure, the powers, duties and protections of the Commissioner under this Act. (3) A disclosure under subsection (1) or (2) may be made - even though the person making the disclosure is not able to identify a particular person to whom the disclosure relates; even though the improper conduct occurred before the commencement of this Act; in respect of information acquired by him or her while he or she was an officer or employee of a public body or an officer or employee of a private body; or of any improper conduct of any person while that person was an officer or employee of a public body or an officer or employee of a private body. (4) Despite any other law to the contrary, a disclosure of improper conduct may be protected only if - the disclosure is made in good faith in relation to the information disclosed; the whistleblower has reasonable cause to believe that the information disclosed and any allegation of improper conduct contained in it are substantially true; and the disclosure is made to an authorised person. (5) Despite any law to the contrary an employee may, subject to section 44(2), make a disclosure of improper conduct relating to, or in connection with, his or her employment despite the existence of a provision in any law regulating his or her employment or a term in his or her contract of employment which prohibits or restricts the disclosure of information to any other person.
Environmental Management Act 7 of 2007 (GG 3966) brought into force on 6 February 2012 by GN 28/2012 (GG 4878) ACT
(GG 3966) brought into force on 6 February 2012 by GN 28/2012 (GG 4878) ACT To promote the sustainable management of the environment and the use of natural resources by establishing principles for decision
NATIONAL ENERGY REGULATOR ACT 40 OF 2004 [ASSENTED TO 30 MARCH 2005] [DATE OF COMMENCEMENT: 15 SEPTEMBER 2005] (English text signed by the President) as amended by Electricity Regulation Act 4 of 2006