The performance of Public Enterprises (PEs) in Namibia has been a long and contentious issue, clamored by continuous bailouts in the face of constant poor performance. The trend of financial bailouts to PEs in Namibia over the years has attracted increased attention into the dynamics of poor PE performance and their fiscal burden on the state. The Namibian government has taken active steps in cutting on PE bailouts and demanding improved performance or face closure. By looking at recent developments in the governance of PEs in Namibia, the purpose and objective of the current study is to analyze whether the current stance and trajectory of government decisions spells a post-honeymoon period in which poor performing PEs will ‘wither and survive or die’ if they do not improve their sustainability index by not relying on financial bailouts. This analysis is aided by the insights provided by the stakeholder, institutional and principal-agent theories. Through the qualitative research method, this study finds that the Namibian government has taken a new attitude and approach in which it will no longer blindly accept and tolerate the poor performance of PEs through continuous bailouts as seen in the past. PEs that are withering will now either survive (through reforms) or die (through liquidation or dissolution).

The main objective of the study was to examine factors that influence employee performance in general and, more specifically, in public enterprises. The research approach was qualitative, with an in-depth literature review and content analysis. The findings of the study reflect that some factors have a positive and some have a negative influence on employee performance. The study also shows a significant relationship between factors and employee performance, which in turn has a multiplier effect on employee development. Recommendations include the need to provide resources for employee training and development, and the strategic aims and objectives of public enterprises should be aligned with the training and development programs.