Newly-appointed governor of Kunene Vipuakuje Muharukua has vowed to prioritise unemployment and service delivery as he assumes office yesterday.
He pledged to be a governor for all.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah on Friday appointed seven new governors for the Khomas, Kunene, Oshikoto, Kavango West, Kavango East, Hardap and Otjozondjupa regions.
The New governors include Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma for Khomas, Muharukua, Sacky Kathindi for Oshikoto, Hamunyela Hambyuka for Kavango East, Verna Sinimbo Kavango West, Riaan Charles McNab for Hardap, while John Julius //Khamuseb was appointed for Otjozondjupa.
Speaking to New Era shortly after receiving his appointment letter from President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Muharukua outlined key areas he intends to focus on in his new role.
Priorities
His leadership will align with the national priorities set forth by the President and government leadership.
He stated that his immediate concern will be addressing unemployment, particularly among the youth.
“The first thing I will do is that I will put a name to unemployment, as it cannot just be a statistic, so we will know who is unemployed. About 20% of young people are jobless. It must be about individuals, each with their name, skills and abilities.
“As a region, we must establish a system, in collaboration with regional leadership, to record and receive CVs, identify those who are unemployed, and ensure that when job opportunities arise, regional councillors can say we have these people with different skills,” he noted.
By creating a database of unemployed individuals in Kunene, Muharukua believes companies investing in the region can be guided to prioritise local hires, ensuring that economic growth directly benefits the community.
He highlighted service delivery as a critical focus.
He revealed plans to establish a structured system where residents can report issues directly to the governor’s office.
These concerns will be categorised as national, regional or individual problems to ensure a targeted response.
Additionally, Muharukua pledged to communicate these issues to the President and government leadership, ensuring that local challenges receive attention at the highest levels of decision-making.
Governor for the people
Acknowledging Kunene’s diversity, he stressed his commitment to inclusive leadership.
The region is home to various communities, including, Afrikaners, Damara, Ovatue, Ovahimba, San and Ovaherero people.
Hence, understanding their unique needs and challenges will require an on-the-ground approach, which he is ready to embrace.
“As governor, I should not be expected to be confined to an office, nor should I always sleep in a comfortable bed. I should be ready to sleep in a tent in Bersakh. I should be ready to sleep in a tent in Kaikmus. I should be prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to reach Namibians wherever they are to ensure they experience and feel the presence of their government,” he said.
Muharukua previously served as a Member of Parliament on the ticket of the Popular Democratic Movement.
He then resigned from the political party and Parliament to join the Swapo party in 2024 before elections.