The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) says its whistleblowing initiative has recovered more than N$5 million in cash and a further N$15 million in tax assessments since June last year.
Speaking at the NamRA Talks, Commissioner Sam Shivute stressed that all citizens share a responsibility to ensure tax compliance.
“And as a result of that, we are seeing we have already collected more than 5 million just since June last year, in a state account, 15 million of assessment. We need to do this and report so that we can save and protect our government and our state,” he said.
Shivute explained that the initiative has allowed whistleblowers to report under-declaration, misclassification, and theft from the state.
In one instance, a whistleblower received N$100,000 as part of NamRA’s policy to reward up to a third of recovered amounts.
He warned that non-compliance undermines the state’s ability to function.
“Because if there is noncompliance with tax laws, you might think it’s just a minor issue or a problem for the government alone. It is not. Noncompliance means the state will lack the capacity to function effectively,” he said.
Shivute added that Namibia’s ability to fund its health services without donor support is directly linked to effective revenue collection.
He also highlighted NamRA’s investment in skills development.
“We associate ourselves with the best in the world, on the continent, and within the country, which is why we are also engaging with you. As a result, NamRA is one of the state-owned enterprises that maintains a working relationship with Stanford University and Columbia University. Currently, we host summer associates from these institutions, and it is our hope that in the future, NamRA staff will have opportunities to work with them as well,” he said.
This year, 26 NamRA staff members will undergo training in South Korea, 20 are set for advanced courses in China, and five will receive taxation training in the United States.
