Ester Shafashike
In a democratic society, decisions that affect the lives of citizens cannot be made in isolation. The principle of community consultancy, seeking public views before implementing any policy or project is not only a moral obligation but also a constitutional and developmental imperative for Namibia.
The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia (1990) makes it clear that sovereignty rests with the people. Article 1(1) declares Namibia a democratic state founded upon the will of its citizens, whereas Chapter 3 guarantees freedoms of speech, assembly, and association.
These rights are not symbolic, but they are the right tools through which communities can express their views and influence governance. Therefore, ignoring public voices undermines the spirit of democracy and risks alienating the same people whom policies are meant to serve. In the same spirit, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reinforce this principle. SDG 16 advocates for “responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels,” while SDG 17 highlights the importance of partnerships among governments, civil society, and communities.
Together, these goals underscore that sustainable progress is unattainable without genuine consultation. Decisions taken without community input often overlook local realities, which often leads to inefficiency, mistrust, and resistance.
Thus, community consultancy is particularly vital in Namibia’s context to address public needs and support effective decision-making. Whether in education reform, environmental management, or local governance, citizen involvement ensures that policies reflect lived experiences.
For instance, environmental strategies aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) must engage coastal communities whose livelihoods depend on marine resources. Likewise, curriculum reforms should be shaped by teachers, parents, and learners to guarantee relevance and inclusivity. Beyond policy effectiveness, consultation fosters trust. When citizens feel heard, they are more likely to support and uphold decisions. It also prevents conflict, as dialogue reduces misunderstandings and builds consensus.
Consequently, community consultancy contributes to the resilience of the social fabric and the reinforcement of accountability mechanisms.
As Namibia advances toward Vision 2030 and aligns its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, leaders, particularly newly elected councillors and mayors, must recognise that democracy extends beyond representation to active participation.
They must recognise that involving the public prior to making decisions is not simply a procedural requirement but a fundamental expression of governance by the people and for the people.
This means that democracy should not remain a hollow phrase but must be lived and demonstrated in every action taken. Moreover, leaders must understand that the nation places its highest hopes and deepest expectations upon their leadership.
In conclusion, I extend my warmest wishes to the Namibian nation. May the year 2026 usher in prosperity, resilience, and renewed hope for all citizens. Moreover, let us embrace the future with courage and solidarity, standing together as one people, united in purpose and vision.
Let us ensure that the voices of our communities are not only heard but amplified, guiding our leaders and institutions toward choices that reflect fairness, justice and inclusivity.
*Ester Shafashike is a senior education officer at the Oshikoto directorate of education within the ministry of innovation, youth, sports, arts and culture. The views expressed are her own and do not represent those of her employer.
