“Strengthening links between
parliaments and citizens”
“Taking Parliament to the People”
OUTREACH IN NAMIBIA
Outreach in the Erongo Region
Deputy Speaker in Swakopmund,
Erongo Region visiting and Informal
Settlement
Legal Framework and Mandate
• Chapter 7 and Chapter 8 of the Namibian
Constitution
provides
among
others
for
establishment, duties and functions of the National
Assembly and National Council that form the
Parliament of Namibia
• It is the duty of the two Houses of Parliament to pass
and review laws respectively; conduct parliamentary
oversight, represent the people, uphold the
Constitution guided by public interest
• Therefore, regular interaction with the people is
important
Origin of the Outreach
Programme
“ Taking Parliament to the People” Outreach
programme started in the 1990’s. Objectives are to:
– Create a platform of exchange between the Legislature
and Regional Governors; Regional Councillors, Community
and Traditional Leaders as well as Spiritual Leaders
– Engage community in meaningful exchange with
Parliamentarians on legislative and oversight issues
– Improve communication between citizenry and elected
representatives
– Consult the electorate on public service delivery by
Government Offices, Ministries and Agencies as part of the
Legislature’s oversight function
Logistics
• Namibia is a geographically vast country with
approximately 2 million people with thirteen
regions.
• The country is thus sparsely populated, which
requires extensive travelling by road
• It takes approximately one and a half week to
reach all constituencies in one region only.
The programme is conducted during the
recess period of Parliament only
• Proper planning, timing and notification are
essential to secure attendance of the public
Information to the Public
• The outreach programme is an education and
awareness creation programme of Parliament.
The following information is usually shared
with the public:
– Definition of the State
– The three pillars of the State
– The responsibilities of the President
– The functions of the National Assembly and
National Council
– The importance of the Constitution
...Information to the Public
• Formation of the Legislature
• Role, functions and importance of
Parliamentary Standing Committees
• Importance and functions of International,
Continental and Regional parliamentary
organisations e.g. IPU; CPA; PAP; SADC PF
Questions and Issues by the
Public
• Members of the public make use of this
opportunity to ask questions and raise issues
that directly or indirectly affect their daily
lives. The following are typical issues that
come to the fore:
– Health; Education; Land; Housing; Water;
Electricity; Sanitation; Crime; Agriculture;
Public Works; Unemployment ; Public
participation, etc.
Reporting
• A report of the Outreach Programme is
prepared and tabled in the National Assembly
or the National Council
• The practice has been to table the report for
note-taking.
• Implementation of the recommendations
remain a challenge that requires information
on best practices. The IPU’s assistance on the
issue of implementation by the Executive
would be most welcome.
Other Forms of Outreach
• Parliamentary Committees conduct public
hearings in the Regions. Public hearings are
usually conducted on Bills and Issues before
Parliament or on Issues that the Standing
Committees deem necessary to solicit public
input
• Parliament has stands at annual trade and
agricultural fairs where Parliament is
showcased and information is shared with the
public
...Other Forms of Outreach
• A Children’s Parliament is being conducted
from time to time to involve the youth and
expose them to the workings of the
Legislature
Legal Affairs Committee consulting
with the Magistrate and Court Officers
Constraints
• Limited Financial and Human Resources
• Numerous Committee activities during
the recess restricts the participation of
Members of Parliament in the
Programme
Successes
• Government Offices, Ministries, Agencies is
increasingly taking note of the
Recommendations contained in the outreach
reports
• Media involvement has been successful,
which in turn creates awareness
• Knowledge of the citizenry is being enhanced
through the outreach activities
Committee consulting with
Traditional Leaders
After a Meeting with
Traditional Leaders
Legal Affairs Committee
meeting with Governor of the
Otjozondjupa Region
Group Photo with Traditional
Leaders
THANK YOU