NIPAM To Train Rundu Council Staff In Leadership, Risk Management And Financial Compliance
The Rundu Town Council is set to receive additional institutional support aimed at improving public service delivery, leadership capacity and decision-making following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM).
The agreement was signed on 25 September 2026 and is intended to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions, particularly in areas such as capacity building, professional development, research and local government management.
NIPAM Executive Director Dr Heroldt Murangi said the partnership should produce practical results for the residents of Rundu rather than remain limited to the signing of an agreement.
He said NIPAM’s mandate is centred on developing the capacity of people responsible for delivering public services and ultimately improving the quality of life of Namibians.
Murangi highlighted the important role of local authorities because of their direct relationship with communities. He said stronger local government institutions could contribute to addressing challenges including poverty, unemployment and service delivery.
As part of the cooperation, NIPAM has proposed that its research team work with Rundu Town Council officials to investigate issues affecting the town and its residents. The findings could then be used to provide evidence for councillors and management when making decisions and developing interventions.
NIPAM has also been providing training to local authority leaders and officials in areas including risk management, leadership and change management. Further programmes are expected to focus on financial management and compliance.
NIPAM Acting Director for Training Joubert Tawana said Rundu’s large population places significant demands on the town’s ability to provide services. He said NIPAM’s role would be to help strengthen the capacity of the council’s leadership and employees to respond to those demands.
Rundu Town Council Management Committee Chairperson Josef Kamakende said continuous professional development would help council employees adapt to the challenges created by urbanisation, strategic planning and the town’s socio-economic growth.
Kamakende welcomed the agreement on behalf of the council and Rundu residents, saying the partnership could help bridge the gap between policy and effective implementation.
Both institutions have been urged to take ownership of the agreement and ensure that its commitments are implemented. Murangi pointed to existing NIPAM partnerships, including those with the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and New Era, as examples of cooperation that has been working.
The MoU therefore places emphasis not only on training, but also on research, institutional development and strengthening the ability of Rundu Town Council to deliver services to its growing population.
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