Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah Overhauls Cabinet, Appoints New Ministers. Namibia’s newly elected President, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has announced a comprehensive restructuring of her Cabinet, signaling a decisive shift in the nation’s governance. In a move that underscores her commitment to efficiency and reform, Nandi-Ndaitwah reduced the number of ministries from 21 to 14, appointing a blend of seasoned professionals and fresh faces to key positions.
Key Appointments:
- Lucia Witbooi: Elevated from Deputy Minister of Home Affairs to Vice-President, reflecting a significant vote of confidence in her leadership abilities.
- Dr. Elijah Ngurare: Appointed as Prime Minister. Ngurare brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as a deputy executive director in the Ministry of Agriculture and his leadership in the Swapo Party Youth League.
- Natangwe Ithete: Transitioning from a Swapo backbencher in the National Assembly to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines, and Energy.
- Ericah Shafudah: With over two decades in the Finance Ministry and recent experience with the World Food Programme, Shafudah takes on the role of Finance Minister.
- Selma Ashipala-Musavyi: A seasoned diplomat, now serving as Minister of International Relations and Trade.
- Dr. Esperance Luvindao: At 31, Luvindao’s appointment as Minister of Health and Social Services marks a notable inclusion of youth in high-level governance.
Among the previous Cabinet members, only three have been retained:
- Emma Theofelus: Continues as Minister of Information.
- Frans Kapofi: Remains as Minister of Defence.
- Lucia Iipumbu: Transitioned from Trade to Minister of Home Affairs.
This overhaul means that 86% of the former Cabinet has been replaced, a move analysts interpret as the President’s intent to prioritize performance and innovation.