ACC loses 22 highly trained investigators to better paying jobs

By: Selma Taapopi

Outgoing Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Director General, Paulus Noa, says the commission has lost 22 highly trained investigators to better-paying jobs, contributing to its growing case backlog.

Noa made the remarks while reflecting on his tenure, the commission’s limited powers, and the review structure of the staff and Anti-Corruption Act. Noa is set to step down on 31 July after leading the commission since it was established 20 years ago.

Noa cited the Namibia Reveue Agency (NamRA), the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and universities as being among institutions that have recruited ACC staff, this after the commission had invested heavily in those staff members through specialised training and professional development.

According to Noa, many former investigators now occupy middle and top management positions with responsibilities unrelated to corruption or money laundering investigations, despite their specialised expertise.

“Go to the NamRA there, you go to the FIC, you go to the commercial bank, you go to these tertiary institutions, you know, institutions of higher learning, universities, everywhere. You find investigators of the Anti-Corruption Commission have been poached, because they give better salaries; they give better conditions of services, rather than what they are getting here.

Because as I say, recruitment here is in accordance with the Public Service Act. And the Public Service Act, you know, the benefit is not competitive enough,” he said.

Noa said the commission is reviewing its staff structure to increase personnel and improve conditions of service so employees can receive salaries and benefits comparable to, or better than, those offered by institutions such as NamRA and the FIC.

“You cannot have an institution which is given such a mammoth mandate to lead the fight against corruption. But ridiculously, the people within that institution are the lower paid people than other institutions like NamRA, FIC, and all this, they are institutions of government. You know, they are all institutions of government.

What the hell is that? Do you want to convince me that we are really serious about fighting corruption, when you have got that kind of structure? No, it cannot,” he noted.

Noa said he had hoped to establish ACC regional offices in all 14 regions, but limited funding prevented the expansion. He also expressed hope that the review of the Anti-Corruption Act will be completed as his tenure comes to an end.

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