Corruption can over throw governments - Nandi-Ndaitwah

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said corruption should be treated as treason as it has the power to frustrate citizens and over throw governments.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said this in her inauguration speech at State House in Windhoek on Friday.

“Corruption in all its manifestations should be avoided at all cost,” she said to a loud hand of applause.

Nandi-Ndaitwah added: “As a student of Mwalimu Nyerere, He taught me and he said it in one of his writings, that corruption must be treated as treason. And I agree. Because through corruption citizens can be frustrated and in the process over throw governments”.

The head of state referred to a quote of former Tanzania president Julius Nyerere who quantified that corruption should be treated as treason.

She said the attainment of sustainable socio-economic development can only be realized through an accountable administration.

Nandi-Ndaitwah further promised that her administration will promote good governance with predictable rule-based system that instills confidence in the country’s institutions.

She told public servants that they are required to maintain, at all times, high ethical standards and provide the best possible service timeously without favoritism.

President on merit

Nandi-Ndaitwah also used the platform and told those in attendance that she believes that having being elected as President of the country, will encourage women from all walks of life to stand up to be counted.

“(This should be done) with a clear understanding that, I was not elected because I am a woman, but on merit. That is to say as women, we should not ask to be elected to positions of responsibility because we are women, but because we are capable members of our societies to hold those positions,” she said.

A laid foundation

Nandi-Ndaitwah said her inauguration took place against the back drop of a solid foundation that was laid by her predecessors.

She said the progress that Namibia has made as a nation was a result of collective efforts.

“Individual members of our society responded to the call and each arm of the state, the executive, the legislature and the judiciary made significant contributions to the political, social and economic development of our country,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said adding that the private sector, churches, traditional authorities and other non-state actors

have been also important constituencies in nation-building efforts.

As the fifth President, Nandi-Ndaitwah said her task is to preserve the gains of the country’s independence on all fronts and to ensure that the unfinished agenda of economic and social advancement of the people is carried forward with vigor and determination to bring about shared balanced prosperity for all.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said her ascendance to the highest office in the land is the culmination of years of struggle by generations of Namibians, men and women, for the political, social and economic liberation of the people. Paying homage to those who have passed on and the living.

She said education and training will continue to be a priority to ensure that they develop technical and managerial skills and work ethics that are required in the labour market. In addition, Nandi-Ndaitwah access to quality health care remains a priority.

Nandi-Ndaitwah further said that because the country has witnessed unprecedented process of urbanization over the last 35 years, and her government will, upscale investment in urban land development and delivery to facilitate access to decent housing by the majority of the people.

As part of the youth empowerment program, she said the government will promote the various sports codes and investment in appropriate infrastructures to enable sports men and women to compete effectively on the international arena. Attention will also be given to the creative industry to make space for the people to bring out their talents.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said she will continue to demand for the lifting of sanctions against Cuba, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

She implored all Namibians to put their hands on the plough.

“There is a role for everyone. I implore every citizen, regardless of your background or political affiliation to join me on this journey of nation-building. I believe that together we can make Namibia the best place for one to live in,” Nandi-Ndaitwah urged.