Windhoek: The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani, has strongly opposed the proposed Public Enterprises Governance Amendment Bill, describing it as a threat to good governance and urging Parliament and the public at large to reject the proposed amendment. The PDM Member of the National Assembly said on Monday that the Bill, which seeks to grant the Office of the Prime Minister extensive powers over public enterprises, poses a serious threat to good governance, accountability, and the operational independence of state-owned entities.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Venaani emphasized the need for Parliament, civil society, the private sector, and all Namibians who believe in good governance to reject or significantly amend this Bill. He argued that the sustainability of the Namibian state-run enterprises lies in independence, professionalism, and the rule of law, warning that political domination could bring instability, deter investment, and hinder service delivery.

The proposed amendment would grant the Prime Minister direct power to appoint and remove members of the board and chief executive officers, as well as establish remuneration and issue orders that would be obligatory for public enterprises. Venaani expressed concern that such centralization of power could jeopardize the principle of political oversight and operational management, as well as the independence, stability, and credibility of Namibia's state-owned enterprises.

He further argued that allowing the Prime Minister to hire and fire senior executives of public enterprises risks marginalizing line ministries with technical expertise, potentially leading to inefficiency and instability within public entities. Venaani cited recent developments at Meatco and Namcor as examples of how political interference in state-owned companies has caused resignations, instability, and public mistrust.

The Bill, which is currently under debate, aims to amend the Public Enterprises Governance Act, 2019, by revising certain definitions and transferring specific powers and functions concerning public enterprises from the responsible ministries to the Prime Minister.