Sakeus Iikela
Chairperson of the National Council Hon. Lukas Sinimbo Muha has urged members of the 7th National Council to take their oversight role seriously and continue to build their capacity to effectively review laws and hold the executive accountable.
Muha was speaking during the opening of a week-long orientation and induction programme for members of the 7th National Council.
The programme is intended to familiarise Members with the constitutional mandate of the National Council, its procedures and rules, and to strengthen their ability to discharge their duties in legislative review, representation and oversight.
He said the effectiveness of the National Council depends largely on the capacity of its members to understand legislation, parliamentary processes and national issues.
“The effectiveness of the National Council is ultimately determined by the capacity of its Members and staff,” Muha said, adding that capacity building should be viewed as a continuous process rather than a once-off exercise.
Muha reminded fellow MPs that the mandate of the National Council – to review all bills passed by the National Assembly, investigate subordinate legislation, and make recommendations on matters of regional concern – places them at the centre of checks and balances within Namibia’s legislative system.
He also emphasised the Council’s oversight responsibility, noting that members are expected to scrutinise the implementation of government policies and programmes and ensure that public resources are managed transparently and efficiently.
According to Muha, the high turnover of members in the National Council makes ongoing training and orientation essential.
He said the programme will guide members on the Standing Rules and Orders to enable them to participate effectively in debates and committee work.
Muha said the orientation forms part of the implementation of the National Council’s Strategic Plan for 2023/24–2027/28, which aligns with national development priorities such as Vision 2030 and the Harambee Prosperity Plan.
He added that the Council, in partnership with development partners including the Enhancing Participatory Democracy in Namibia (EPDN) Project and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), will continue to roll out capacity-building initiatives focused on legislative review, evidence-based oversight, ICT skills and public engagement.
Muha reminded members that their authority comes from the people and that their decisions must always serve the public interest.
“Our authority derives from the people, and our actions must always be in their best interest,” he said.
