Victoria Immanuel
Loide Jason
OLUKONDA – President Nangolo Mbumba yesterday attended a church service at his home village Olukonda, as he prepares to step down on Friday.
“Do not be surprised to see me around Olukonda. If anyone sees me walking, please take me along,” he said tongue-in-cheek to the congregants of Olukonda Parish. The President said his time in office has come to an end, as he prepares to hand over the presidency to President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
He, however, reassured congregants that even after stepping down, he will remain active in his community.
“As I step down, I want to remind everyone that leadership is not something one imposes upon themselves. If you forcefully take power, then anyone can do the same,” Mbumba stated.
“We do not want an unelected president, or a person who has not followed someone who was duly elected,” he said.
Mbumba, who took over as Namibia’s head of State following the passing of president Hage Geingob in February 2024, acknowledged that stepping into the role under such circumstances was one of the most difficult moments of his life.
Although some are asking him to remain president, he said he cannot remain in office indefinitely, as his leadership was only a temporary measure to ensure stability in the country.
“It was never my intention to rule for long. My role was to ensure a smooth transition,” he added.
He urged Namibians to rally behind Nandi-Ndaitwah as she prepares to become the country’s first female president.
Mbumba, a seasoned politician and long-time Swapo Party member, has been a key figure in Namibia’s post-independence governance.
Born on 15 August 1941, he played an active role in the country’s liberation struggle before transitioning into government service.
Over the years, he has held various ministerial positions in agriculture, finance and education.
He also served as secretary general of Swapo before being appointed vice president in 2018, a role which positioned him to assume presidency upon Geingob’s passing.
On Thursday, he bid farewell to State House staff in Windhoek.
During the exit interview, he urged staff members at State House to work together in the execution of national duties.
“I want to thank you all for doing an excellent job at State House. Continue doing so,” he urged.
He noted that this principle was well-demonstrated by himself and Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah in supporting late president Geingob during his time in office, and at the Swapo Party.
“I am happy. Finally, I am going home. Nandi Ndaitwah is my sister. Do not stress her by applying for jobs. Good luck, my sister”, he remarked before he left the podium. Speaking at the same occasion, Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered a heartfelt tribute, recognising Mbumba’s resilience in the face of adversity.
“Your excellency, your strength, and above all courage to steer this Namibian ship during these troubling times is highly commendable,” she stated.
She noted that Mbumba’s leadership helped to ensure the country remained at peace. His contributions to Namibia’s development were also acknowledged.
“Your Excellency’s resilience and tenacity have shaped a strong foundation in all the sectors you have worked,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said, citing his roles as an educator, minister and statesman.
“Thousands of Namibians enjoy the legacies that you left,” she added.
“As incoming president, I will continue to build on your Excellency’s legacy, as well as those laid by our predecessors,” she affirmed, pledging a commitment to national unity, peace and social progress.
As the event concluded, Mbumba was met with warm applause from government officials, advisors and staff.
His leadership, described as steady and compassionate, will be recorded in Namibia’s history as a guiding force through a period of transition.
The official handover of power is set to take place this Friday, marking the country’s fifth peaceful transition since independence.
Staff
Staff members who worked under Mbumba for the past year-and-a-half described him as an inclusive and humble leader.
In a side-interview at the farewell event, the President’s speechwriter – who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the office – praised his leadership style.
“During his engagements, the President ensured that his team – not just those in senior positions – gained exposure to the world. He speaks concisely, and dislikes long speeches,” she recalled.
She added that Mbumba’s calm leadership helped unite the nation.
“He brought us stability and reassurance. He filled the gap. We wish him continued health and prosperity,” she said.
Former State House photographer Maria Namundjebo reflected on Mbumba’s leadership.
“The President led with great humility. He did his best, and guided the nation through a challenging period. We will miss him,” she said.
Chief public relations officer Dennis Shikwambi acknowledged the weight of responsibility Mbumba carried.
“He took over leadership under very difficult circumstances following the loss of not only his comrade, but also his best friend. He ensured that peace prevailed in Namibia. Just as the nation was recovering from the loss of a president, we also lost our founding president – the father of the nation, who played a pivotal role in Namibia’s independence. That’s why I say his tenure was not easy,” he remarked.
He added that Mbumba’s leadership qualities and vast experience helped guide the country through turbulent times.
“We will truly miss his calmness, experience and leadership,” he added.
Executive director in the Office of the President Moses Pakote described Mbumba as a rare leader – humble, yet decisive. “He was a servant leader, who knew what needed to be done, and ensured it was executed effectively,” he stated.
Chief of protocol Leonard Iipumbu echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Mbumba’s consultative leadership style.
“He gives clear instructions on performance, and expects results. He delegates duties effectively without abandoning his responsibilities. He also responds to calls and messages immediately,” he noted.
Senior public relations officer Cathrine Jacob commended Mbumba’s leadership, saying he emerged as one of this country’s steady hands.
“I almost wish he were not retiring now… he went through a lot. His resilience and strength have been evident throughout his tenure, proving him to be an exceptional leader. What a strong man,” she gushed.