WINDHOEK, September 25 — The Namibia Institute of Public Administration and Management (NIPAM) and the Rundu Town Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and improving public service delivery at local government level.
The agreement seeks to deepen collaboration between the two institutions, with a particular focus on developing the skills and capacity of council leadership and employees to respond more effectively to the needs of Rundu residents.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, NIPAM Executive Director Dr Heroldt Murangi said the partnership should translate into measurable improvements for residents rather than remain a formal agreement.
“We are entering into this partnership because we want to transform the lives of all, and that is the mandate of NIPAM,” Murangi said.
He said NIPAM’s mandate is closely aligned with Namibia’s broader development objectives, including improving livelihoods and the quality of life of citizens.
Murangi stressed that achieving these objectives requires investment in the people responsible for delivering public services, particularly at local authority level.
He described local authorities as critical components of the public sector because of their direct connection to communities and their ability to respond to challenges such as poverty, unemployment and inadequate service delivery.
NIPAM has already conducted training interventions for local authority leadership and officials in areas including risk management, leadership and change management. According to Murangi, further programmes are planned, including initiatives focused on financial management and compliance.
He also proposed a joint research initiative involving NIPAM researchers and Rundu Town Council officials to examine challenges affecting the town and its residents.
Such research, he said, could generate evidence to assist councillors and management in making informed decisions and developing interventions suited to the town’s specific needs.
Murangi urged both institutions to take ownership of the agreement and ensure that its commitments are implemented effectively.
He pointed to NIPAM’s existing partnerships with institutions such as the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation and New Era as examples of collaborations that have been working well.
NIPAM Acting Director for Training, Joubert Tawana, said Rundu’s growing population places additional pressure on the town’s ability to provide efficient public services.
He said the partnership provides an opportunity for NIPAM to support the town council by strengthening the capabilities of its leadership and employees.
Rundu Town Council Management Committee Chairperson Josef Kamakende said continuous professional development was essential for enabling the council to adapt to the challenges associated with urbanisation, strategic planning and socio-economic growth.
Kamakende expressed appreciation to NIPAM for its commitment to working with local authorities and said the partnership could help bridge the gap between policy formulation and effective implementation.
“On behalf of the Rundu Town Council and the residents we serve, I accept this Cooperation Agreement with great enthusiasm, optimism, and determination,” Kamakende said.
“Let us work hand in hand to transform the capacity of our council and deliver the high quality services that the people of Rundu truly deserve.”
The partnership comes as local authorities face increasing demands to improve institutional efficiency, strengthen compliance and deliver services that respond effectively to the needs of rapidly growing communities.
