Officially opening the 3rd session of the 8th Parliament, President Netumbo NandiNdaitwah reminded parliamentarians that public expectations remain high as the nation is closely monitoring parliamentary processes and legislative outcomes. As she welcomed the newly elected members who joined Parliament following the 2025 Regional Council and Local Authority Elections, the president referenced Article 44 of the Namibian Constitution, reminding them that they have joined the August House with the great responsibility of making laws for the Namibian nation. “This mandate assigns you the responsibility, and I paraphrase, ‘to enact, amend and repeal laws, to scrutinise bills, treaties and conventions, to approve the national budget, to oversee government performance and hold state institutions accountable and to debate matters of national importance to the Namibian people’,” she said.

The session, held under the theme “Enhance the Role of Parliament for Inclusive Development and Participatory Democracy”, reflected on the development of strong forward-looking legislation that safeguards Namibia’s sovereignty and supports democratic governance, particularly amid global geopolitical uncertainties and economic challenges. The president stressed that laws enacted in the August House serve as the foundation for social order, economic growth and democratic governance. “They establish stability, fairness and predictability, safeguard fundamental rights, encourage investment and innovation and ensure disputes are settled peacefully,” she noted.

Members were further called upon to address pressing issues such as unemployment, inequality and poverty, while supporting economic growth through sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and the digital economy. The president noted, “These challenges strain the social fabric of our society and call for collective effort and shared responsibility from all three branches of government to create positive change in people’s lives. They remind us of a core truth, which I often say: “We are too few to be poor.”

Concerns were also raised over the slow processing of legislation, with only two of nine bills tabled last year being passed.

BILLS CONSIDERED AND TABLED IN 2025:

  • Appropriation Bill
  • Regional Councils Amendment Bill
  • Land Bill
  • Public Enterprises Governance Amendment Bill
  • Mental Health Bill
  • Appropriation Amendment Bill
  • Accountants and Auditors Regulatory Authority Bill
  • Income Tax Amendment Bill
  • Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill

“This is very disappointing, because the people of Namibia deserve better services from their elected representatives,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah. The head of state encouraged the prioritisation of service delivery and national development above political differences, reaffirming the government’s commitment to working with Parliament to advance sustainable development and improve the lives of Namibians.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz