IPPR hits back
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), as the local partner of the Afrobarometer survey, has expressed concern over comments made by some government officials who have suggested the survey has an agenda to turn Namibians against the government.
Namibians own 396 000 firearms
Namibia has 396 000 privately owned guns in circulation, which, when compared to its small population, far outweighs per capita firearm possession in other African countries.
At 15.4 guns per 100 people, Namibia has the second highest per capita civil possession of firearms in Africa.
Weapons watchdog the Small Arms Survey has released its latest report on gun ownership around the world, which indicates that of the close to 400 000 guns owned by civilians in Namibia, 195 990 are illegal and 200 010 are legal firearms.
Geingob’s approval rating soars
While a majority of Namibians gave the government bad grades for its handling of issues such as job creation and the economy, President Hage Geingob scored high in terms of public approval and trust, according to the latest round of the Afrobarometer that gauges public opinion on governance, democracy and related matters.
IPPR corruption report not factual – ICT Minister
Government is unhappy over what it calls a misleading statement made by the Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR).
The IPPR reported that politicians and public office bearers tolerate bribes due to a culture of ingrained corruption, a sense of entitlement, political connections, and low wages.
Private sector holds power to fight corruption – IPPR
In an Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) paper released last week, titled ‘The role of the private sector in tackling corruption’, local academic, Johan Coetzee, noted that because of the contraction of the local economy since the second quarter of 2016, it can be deduced that the private sector is feeling relatively insecure about future business prospects. “There is insecurity about, for example, the level of government spending, its exposure to foreign debt, ability to repay its debt, its cash flow situation and the credit down gradings by Moody’s and Fitch Ratings.
Corruption perception hurting Namibia-IPPR
Perceptions that Namibian leaders are corrupt are hurting the country’s development trajectory, the Institute for Public Policy Research(IPPR) has said.
In 2017, the Transparency International (TI)’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) ranked Namibia as the fourth least corrupt country in Africa. This ranking was however questioned by Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) senior lecturer, Dr. Johan Coetzee during a presentation and panel discussion held by IPPR this week.
Coetzee during his presentation on the role of the private sector in tackling corruption noted that corruption is a social ill and Namibia fails when it comes to it. Over the past 10 years the country has only managed to reach an average of 4.8 out of 10 when it comes to corruption transparency.
Researcher suggests ACC becomes autonomous body to fight corruption more effectively
A researcher at the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), wants the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), to become an autonomous body to fight corruption more effectively.
In addition Johan Coetzee says retired judges should form part of the structures of their oversight body, which scrutinises cases recommended for prosecution.
Peer Review Progress Taking Shape
Just over a year after Namibia officially joined the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) dozens of civil society organisations and stakeholders met for two days in Windhoek last week to help navigate Namibia’s role as a member of the APRM.
The two day training workshop was facilitated and organised by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES).
Business Index Breaches 50 Point Mark
The IJG Business Climate Monitor improved to 50.99 points in February, the Institute of Public Policy Research said this week.
This is the first time since December 2016 that the index has been above the 50-point mark.
The leading indicator also showed improvement, climbing to 46.7 points.
“The improvement in the index indicates that the economy is slowly recovering, and should this persist, signals a return to growth in 2018 after the contraction experienced in 2017,” the institute said.
Most Namibians condemn wife beating
While a majority of Namibians say nothing justifies a man beating a woman, men and rural communities are more prone to hold the belief that a beating is sometimes justified.
The latest Afrobarometer results released by the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) found that 84% of Namibians believe it is never justified for a man to beat his wife.
Most Namibians also believe that the government is waging a robust and effective war against gender-based violence, according to the survey.
