The Governor of the ||Kharas Region, Dawid Gertze, said corruption is eroding public trust, undermining development, and betraying the sacrifices of Namibia's liberation heroes, and made a strong call for moral renewal.

Gertze made these remarks while delivering his statement at the third National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy Framework consultation meeting of the Anti-Corruption Commission, which was held in Keetmanshoop today.

"We must remember that our liberation was a period of immense sacrifices; people gave their lives, their youth, and their comfort so that we could have a nation rooted in justice, equality, and prosperity for all. Yet what is corruption if not the ultimate betrayal of that dream? When those entrusted with guarding the resources of the state divert them for personal gain, they are spitting on the grave of our heroes. Who won us the right to self-governance? They are proving that while we won the political battle for independence, we are losing the moral war to preserve the values that independence was meant to guarantee."

The Director General of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Paulus Noa, said the one-day workshop aims to gather public input to develop and strengthen the 3rd National Anti-Corruption Strategy and combat corruption.

"Fighting corruption and the promotion of ethical values is a collective responsibility of all sectors of society. A man on the street, the civil society sector, the business sector, the public sector and the media all have a responsibility to contribute to good governance through prevention of corruption in the right way."

Keetmanshoop Mayor Melody Swartbooi said local authorities have an important responsibility to promote ethical leaders and manage public resources properly.

"As local authorities, we recognise the critical role we play in promoting ethical governance and ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly for the benefit of our communities. Initiatives such as this consultation demonstrate the government's commitment to building a transparent and accountable public sector."

The participants continued to engage with the ACC on corruption matters in the region.