TOOTHLESS OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN FOR DECADES

The Office of the Ombudsman in Namibia was established as a public protector, entrusted with ensuring accountability, justice, and fairness in governance. However, over the past decades, this institution has remained largely inactive, failing to fulfill its constitutional mandate. There are no landmark cases to mention, no major investigations to highlight, and no significant interventions that have improved the lives of ordinary Namibians. This lack of action is not just disappointing—it is a national crisis that threatens democracy, transparency, and public trust in institutions.  


A Dormant Institution Failing Its Mandate

The Ombudsman’s office is supposed to be a watchdog for the people, ensuring that injustices are addressed and governance structures remain accountable. It is tasked with investigating a range of civic issues, including:  

- Unjustified court decisions that may have led to wrongful imprisonment or unfair rulings.  

- Misuse of public resources, including corruption, embezzlement, and mismanagement of state funds.  

- Abuse of power within the public sector, including unethical behavior by government officials and public servants.  

- Violations of human rights, particularly issues affecting marginalized communities, prisoners, and vulnerable groups.  

Despite these clear responsibilities, the Office of the Ombudsman in Namibia has largely been ineffective. While complaints are often filed, there is little evidence to suggest that these issues are seriously investigated or that any meaningful resolutions have been reached. This inaction raises serious concerns about the institution’s ability to function independently and serve as a true protector of public interest.  


Comparing to South Africa: A Model to Follow

Namibia can learn valuable lessons from South Africa, where the Public Protector plays an essential role in governance and accountability. Unlike Namibia’s Office of the Ombudsman, South Africa’s Public Protector has a history of investigating and exposing high-profile corruption cases, even when they involve top government officials.  

For example, South Africa’s Public Protector Office has held leaders accountable, including former President Jacob Zuma, whose involvement in state capture was exposed in a report that led to legal actions and political reforms. This level of commitment and fearlessness in tackling corruption and abuse of power is exactly what Namibia needs.  


Steps Towards an Effective Ombudsman Office

If Namibia’s Office of the Ombudsman is to be truly effective, it must undergo a major transformation. Several steps need to be taken to restore public confidence and ensure that the office can function as a true public protector:  

1. Conducting Independent Investigations – The office should not wait for political directives or pressure to act; it must proactively investigate complaints.  

2. Holding Officials Accountable – Findings should lead to real consequences, whether legal action, administrative penalties, or policy changes.  

3. Public Awareness and Engagement – Citizens must be educated on their rights and encouraged to report injustices, knowing that their concerns will be addressed.  

4. Strengthening Legislative Authority – The government should amend laws to grant the Ombudsman more power to act decisively, ensuring that its rulings carry legal weight.  


The Urgent Need for Reform

Namibia cannot afford to have an inactive Ombudsman in an era where accountability and transparency are more critical than ever. If this institution continues to operate without impact, it will only serve as an expensive bureaucracy with no real benefit to the public. It is time to rethink its role, borrow best practices from South Africa, and ensure that the Ombudsman becomes the powerful and effective public protector it was meant to be.  

The question remains: Will the Namibian government take the bold steps needed to empower the Office of the Ombudsman, or will it remain a toothless institution for decades to come?

Location: Windhoek, Namibia

Comments

  1. Panduleni P March 11, 2025 at 11:56 AM

    Kudos to you Mr Kapuka, for unfolding this useless office. We have it in Ongwediva early January I passed by that office and I questioned myself what's the function of this office because, I have never heard of anything related to it. No actions being taken maybe they are blind or what's going on really? Otherwise there is no need for the Ombudsman office in our country they must do their job please as stipulated in our constitution

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