An Investigation Of Breach Of Discipline In The Namibia Defence Force

ABSTRACT

Discipline is vital for the existence of every organisation, and more importantly, it is the

lifeline of a defence force. The NDF is entrusted with the mandate to guarantee the

security and safeguard the territorial integrity of Namibia and its national interests. Such

a mandate can only be executed by a well disciplined Force.

The discipline of NDF members has been reported deteriorating, thus having the

potential to compromise the ability of the Force to carryout its mandate. Also, it can

reverse the good reputation developed over the years and ruin Namibia’s good military

standing internationally. This worrying development necessitated the need for this

research.

Thus, the primary objective of this research was to examine the effectiveness of the

enforcement mechanisms. The research is descriptive in nature as it attempts to explain

perceptions and seeks to understand the rationale for indiscipline in the NDF. The

research employed both quantitative and qualitative techniques in presenting and

interpreting data. The sample included ranks from Private to Colonel. The data was

collected from sources using questionnaires, personal interviews and examinations of

NDF staff and disciplinary records.

An analysis of information from the respondents revealed a perception that the standard

of discipline of the NDF is declining.

The NDF needs to ensure that it creates effective structures where rules, policies and

practices are fair, equitable, consistent, egalitarian and legitimate if it is to reduce

inappropriate behaviour and improve the standard of discipline.