“Disregarding my directives on travel and expenditure is like putting a knife to your own throat” – James Sankwasa
By TUW
Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Honourable James Sankwasa, has delivered a strong warning to Namibia’s local authorities, declaring that the era of using public office for personal enrichment is over.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 induction workshop for Regional and Local Authorities, held at Ngandu Lodge in Rundu and running from today until Friday, Minister Sankwasa said many authorities have become “ATMs” for tenderers, turning municipalities into havens for personal gain. “This ends now,” he said, emphasizing that accountability and transparency will be non-negotiable in all councils.
The workshop brings together local authorities from Zambezi, Kavango East and West, as well as select delegates from Ohangwena, and aims to strengthen leadership, governance, and service delivery across the regions.
Financial Misconduct Under Scrutiny
During his keynote address, Minister Sankwasa highlighted persistent financial mismanagement in some councils, including the diversion of infrastructure funds to personal allowances and unauthorized travel. “Disregarding my directives on travel and expenditure is like putting a knife to your own throat,” he warned. He added that any misused funds will be recovered directly from personal allowances.
The Minister also instructed local authorities to submit municipal accounts for pensioners and persons with disabilities by March 2026, to allow for proper debt write-offs. He further demanded that councilors with outstanding municipal bills settle them immediately, with deductions from allowances enforced if necessary.
Housing, Land, and Economic Patriotism
Sankwasa underscored the government’s commitment to delivering at least 10,000 houses annually, formalizing informal settlements, and ensuring land remains affordable. He made it clear that auctioning municipal land for personal gain will no longer be tolerated.
He also called for economic patriotism, urging councils to prioritize local SMEs, women, and youth in procurement while actively preventing fronting practices that channel benefits to foreign interests.
Professionalism and Integrity
The Minister reminded officials that holding a councilor’s title does not automatically make one honourable. Recruitment, promotions, and tender awards must be based on competence, not political affiliation, nepotism, or tribalism. Councilors were urged to leave party politics at the door and serve all Namibians without fear or favour.
In his closing remarks, Minister Sankwasa reiterated that “business as usual” in local authorities is over. He pledged to monitor compliance and hold accountable anyone found diverting public funds or abusing their office.
The Rundu workshop is set to continue through Friday, focusing on enhancing leadership, governance, and service delivery in Namibia’s local authorities. Minister Sankwasa’s opening address has already set a firm tone: public service is a duty, not an opportunity for enrichment, and transparency must guide all decision-making.
