INTERVIEW: Business and Economics Researcher Josef Sheehama on Local Authorities and Audits

Business and economics researcher Josef Sheehama recently shared his insights on the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in Namibia, particularly regarding audits, financial mismanagement, and poor service delivery. Speaking in a recent interview, Sheehama emphasized the long-standing issues that have plagued local authorities and the steps being taken to address them.

Sheehama pointed out that the frustration surrounding local authorities isn’t a recent development. “This has been an issue for decades,” he noted. According to Sheehama, the core problem lies in the inability of local authorities to manage and control public funds effectively. “They don’t understand community governance, and they don’t understand community service,” he said, stressing that local authorities have placed themselves in a financial crisis due to poor management practices.

One of the critical aspects Sheehama highlighted was the lack of proper documentation and proof of evidence, a common failure among local authorities. “If you buy something for $20 at a shop today, you need to keep the receipt as proof of evidence,” he explained. This simple principle is often neglected, and Sheehama believes it is indicative of a larger issue of ignorance and poor administrative practices that cannot be tolerated in Namibia anymore.

He also expressed concern that local authorities often blame the community for their financial woes, but Sheehama was quick to point out that the root cause of the crisis lies within the mismanagement of funds by the authorities themselves. “It is not the community or the people not paying their bills,” he asserted. “It is because they don’t know how to keep the proof of evidence.”

Sheehama further discussed how the role of the Auditor General has evolved in response to these challenges. The Auditor General has begun to micromanage the finances of local authorities due to the ongoing financial mismanagement. Sheehama believes this step is necessary to prevent further fiscal chaos, as local authorities have demonstrated an inability to manage their finances appropriately.

The researcher emphasized that financial integrity and service delivery should be at the top of local authorities’ priorities. “It is about building trust, delivering services, and improving the lives of Namibians,” he said, adding that even the best financial systems would fail without strong governance. “Local authorities must prioritize financial discipline and accountability,” he continued.

Sheehama commended the work of the Auditor General, acknowledging that the push for better oversight is a necessary move to restore integrity and public trust in local authorities. “This is something worth fighting for,” he concluded, expressing his support for the ongoing efforts to improve governance and service delivery across Namibia.

As Namibia continues to face challenges in managing local governance and financial accountability, Sheehama’s remarks highlight the importance of transparency, discipline, and effective leadership in ensuring that public funds are properly utilized for the benefit of all citizens.