President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision this week to relieve Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Iithete of his duties has sent an unmistakable message across government and the country; she meant what she said. 

From the day of her inauguration and again in her first Cabinet meeting, as well as at Namibia’s first meeting ever with public servants. President Nandi-Ndaitwah vowed that under her administration, it would not be business as usual – there shall be no stoned unturned. Her actions now speak louder than words and she is following through on that promise.

This bold move underscores her determination to set a new tone for leadership, which is grounded in accountability, efficiency, and results. As President of the Republic of Namibia, she carries the nation’s hopes and the responsibility of ensuring that the mandate given to her is fulfilled with integrity. 

To many ordinary Namibians, her decisiveness is reassuring. It signals that the era of complacency and political comfort may be drawing to an end, replaced by a leadership style that prioritises service over self-interest.

For too long, citizens have watched ministers and senior officials operate at a distance, appearing in suits and ties in Parliament, and re-emerging in communities only when election campaigns begin. Under President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s tenure, that image is slowly changing. Ministers are increasingly visible on the ground, personally engaging with communities, institutions, and workplaces. 

This accessibility is refreshing and it restores a sense of public accountability, and reminds leaders that their true constituency is not the boardroom, but the people.

The ministers that are of late famous for ground work are the Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi and Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa. Health minister and minister of justice and labour are also among ministers that are hands on. However, this hands-on approach also raises questions about the level of trust and cooperation between ministers, their executive teams, and the leadership of state-owned enterprises. 

It is essential to remember that these individuals are accounting officers and they do not only answer to the President but also to the Namibian public as well. Transparency, coordination, and integrity are therefore not optional; they are fundamental to building public confidence in government operations.

But while the President’s firm hand is commendable, it should not become the sole driving force behind public service delivery. Civil servants and government leaders must not wait for the President to “roar” before they act. The true spirit of public service lies in self-motivation and in understanding that every task, decision and interaction is part of serving the Namibian nation. Leadership is not measured only by position, but by commitment to the people.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah has made her intentions clear. Her leadership signals a shift towards accountability, visibility, and responsiveness. The challenge now lies with those serving under her to align themselves with her vision, to uphold the principles of good governance, and to serve with the dedication the nation deserves.

For those who need reminding, the message from State House could not be more clearer; under President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership, it will not be business as usual.