Allexer Namundjembo
Public and private institutions that ignore parliamentary invitations will be subpoenaed.
The chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on natural resources, Tobie Aupindi, warned on Monday.
Speaking at the opening of a capacity-building workshop with stakeholders in Swakopmund, Aupindi said the committee’s engagements are a constitutional obligation, not a formality or courtesy.
“Some institutions think they are doing the committee a favour by attending. No, you are not. Some even send junior staff without executive powers or decision-making authority. That must stop,” he said.
The committee oversees all matters related to the country’s natural resources.
It comprises 24 members of parliament and is deputised by member of parliament Tuulukki Abraham.
Aupindi said the committee has observed a trend where institutions send representatives who lack authority to respond or make decisions.
“When we invite accounting officers, executive directors, directors, or CEOs, we expect them to show up. Not their junior staff,” he said.
He stressed that parliament derives its authority from the Constitution, and all institutions must be accountable to the people through the legislature.
Aupindi said the committee will not apologise for taking a firm stance in protecting the country’s natural resources.
He called for ethical and people-centred leadership across industries that rely on those resources.
“We need to care more about people over profits. Many Namibians are suffering today due to greed and lack of action.”
He outlined the committee’s focus areas, including improving productivity, promoting sustainable economic growth, and exploring opportunities in energy security, green hydrogen, mining, land, fisheries, marine resources, and tourism.
“This engagement has come at an opportune time. It is critical that all stakeholders, including those in government and the private sector, are on the same page as we move forward,” he added.
The workshop will run until Saturday and will shape the committee’s oversight approach over the next five years.
Concerns about resistance to parliamentary oversight have surfaced before.
In June 2023, the Namibia Public Workers Union (NAPWU) refused to appear before the human resources committee and objected to being questioned in front of the media, stating it had no mandate to do so.
Last year, the natural resources committee flagged mismanagement in the green schemes under the ministry of agriculture, accusing officials of misleading Parliament and failing in their oversight duties.
