Staff Reporter
THE National Assembly will resume its fourth session of the eighth Parliament on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, following a month-long recess during which Members of Parliament undertook oversight visits, stakeholder consultations, regional parliamentary engagements and international assignments aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and legislative oversight.
The third session of the eighth Parliament adjourned on 30 April 2026, with MPs continuing parliamentary duties across the country during the recess period.
A significant development during the break was Namibia’s increased participation in the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), where Namibian MPs were assigned to various permanent committees. Deputy Speaker Philipus Katamelo was later appointed chairperson of the PAP Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution, while other Namibian delegates took up roles in committees dealing with justice, human rights, education, trade and parliamentary governance.
Several parliamentary committees conducted oversight visits across Namibia. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Poverty Eradication, Labour and Industrial Relations undertook visits to the Omusati and Ohangwena regions, assessing poverty alleviation initiatives, employment creation projects and service delivery challenges. During the visits, members raised concern over the incomplete N$41 million Eenhana Town Council building project, which has stalled due to funding constraints.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional, Legal Affairs and Petitions launched nationwide consultations to assess the adequacy and relevance of Namibia’s Constitution 36 years after independence. Consultations were held in the //Kharas and Hardap regions, with further engagements planned in Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Erongo.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Youth, Civic Relations and Community Development conducted a week-long stakeholder engagement in Otjiwarongo on the proliferation of health training institutions. The inquiry focused on accreditation standards, quality assurance, regulatory compliance and the alignment of health training programmes with national healthcare needs.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Welfare carried out oversight visits to child care facilities in the Zambezi and Kavango East regions, where concerns were raised about shortages of social workers, limited disability support services and inadequate infrastructure at institutions caring for vulnerable children.
Parliament also strengthened its regional and international presence during the recess period. Namibian delegations participated in meetings of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Parliamentary Assembly and the inaugural Africa-European Union Parliamentary Assembly in Eswatini, where discussions focused on peace and security, youth development, economic transformation and implementation of the Samoa Agreement.
In Germany, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on International Relations, Defence and Security engaged members of the German Bundestag and called for greater parliamentary involvement in ongoing discussions regarding redress for the Ovaherero and Nama genocide.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics, Planning and Public Administration also undertook a benchmarking visit to Singapore, where members studied public service reforms, civil service training systems and governance models.
Another major parliamentary activity during the recess was Namibia’s hosting of the Southern African Development Community Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) meetings and training workshop in Swakopmund. The gathering brought together approximately 100 delegates from across the region to discuss public financial management, accountability, transparency and parliamentary oversight.
As Parliament resumes its fourth session, lawmakers are expected to continue deliberations on legislative matters while drawing on findings and recommendations gathered during the recess oversight and consultation activities.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: NBC Digital News
