Capacity building of the regional councils in Namibia

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

A comparative approach is used in the study. Three Regional Councils namely Khomas, Oshana and Otjozondjupa were selected, which allows more room for a comparative framework. The fact that this study chose the three regions is that they give more information depending on their different structures, size, population and have different perspective methods of capacity building. They also give a good picture of finding out how the capacity building efforts met the needs of the different Regional Councils in Namibia. Since the MRLGH [Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing] is one of the capacity building institutions to assist the Regional Councils, this study indicates how the national cake is distributed among the Councils. It also looks at how the other additional entities such as NGOs have rendered services to the Councils

Since Namibia has adopted decentralization policies, it has reasonably succeeded in mobilizing every available capacity building effort in the country to give a helping hand in order to make decentralization programme a success. This study also looks at how best the Regional Councils under decentralization policy have taken the issue of gender in consideration. It is noted all along that history has seemingly been blind on gender and this is the issue of concern in the Namibian decentralization programme to make sure that the needs of gender are met

Documentary search and interviews were used to collect data in this study. Resulting from good collaborations with the interviewees, empirical evidences are given that the Regional Councils have benefited and is still benefiting from the capacity building efforts available in Namibia in one way or the other. This study further notes that more efforts are busy registering themselves to give a push hand towards the decentralization policy. It is also indicated clearly by the respondents that the Regional Councils are experiencing lack of adequate capacity, especially in terms of financial resources. The Regional Councils are still depending on the Central Government. The Regional governors, officers, consultants and NGOs in their responses indicated with confidence that change is expected and things will be run in good manner as soon as the new introduced administrative structure is implemented. It is very much encouraging that the Namibian people are wholeheartedly waiting for a full Iimplementation of the decentralization programme in the regions and this indicates a good picture towards enhancement of democracy

A few policy recommendations are made at the end of the study, indicating the road ahead and the ways to improve on our Regional Councils and how to go about the decentralization. This study, therefore, notes that only through hard work and togetherness that Namibia can be listed as one of the best countries in Africa and in the world at large, if her democracy is respected and maintained