WINDHOEK- Dr David Namwandi whose term as the Minister of Education came to an end on Friday said he leaves the ministry with no regrets and a wealth of beautiful memories.
Namwandi who became deputy minister of education on March 21, 2010 was elevated to a full minister after the death of Dr Abraham Iyambo in 2013.
Namwandi together with his deputy, Sylvia Makgone, last week bade farewell to the nation in particular the education fraternity. He said: “I leave with the knowledge that if a leader is being praised throughout his career, there is something seriously wrong with that leader, therefore I would like to thank you for the constructive criticism.”
He added: “I will miss working with you. You know the education ministry is the biggest in the country. I feel honored that Sylvia and I were given this opportunity to navigate such a ship. We might have stepped on other people’s toes. We made enemies with or without our knowledge, but we ask forgiveness in the benefit of a Namibian child.”
Importantly, Namwandi singled out some of the achievements during the past years while in office, being free primary and secondary education as well as the provision of free textbooks to all Namibian learners, among others.
The provision of free primary education is among the factors that contributed to former president Hifikepunye Pohamba winning the Mo Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership that saw the head of state rake in cash of N$58 million.
Namwandi hopes and trusts that education officials and stakeholders will have a positive, supportive and constructive relationship with the new leadership, headed by Dr Itah Murangi, who became the Minister of Higher Education and also the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa.
“I believe you will continue to build on the good foundations that have been laid. Join hands to take education forward to strengthen and forge our common national purpose,” said a dignified Namwandi.
Makgone said she was pleased to have been given an opportunity to handle such a big task in her capacity as the deputy minister of education.
“We know education is the backbone of the economy. To steer education is not easy. We all know the challenges we face. But for me, I also say let us see beyond challenges and concentrate on purposes to serve the nation,” she said.
“We have to strive to be selfness, even we are in positions we never thought we will be,” stated Makgone.
She explained she was leaving the ministry as a proud person for the contributions made for the benefit of the country.
She urged learners to stay away from social evils and concentrate on their studies.
“Please go out there and study, leave other things. They will never finish. You will come and get them later. There are no roses without thorns,” she cautioned.
The duo were presented with various gifts from different education stakeholders.
Namwandi is credited with founding the International University of Management (IUM) that initially had five students, and turning it into a global institution with over 10 000 students from all over the world because of its quality programmes.