Dalene Kooper
Deputy health minister Suzan Ndjaleka says she will focus on the social wellbeing of all Namibians.
“My personal responsibility will be to focus on the social well-being of Namibians. I’ll not be working with animals. We must be collectively aware that the healthcare and social well-being of everyone is important,” Ndjaleka said.
She said this during the congratulatory ceremony held by the //Kharas Regional Council to celebrate her appointment by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia.
Ndjaleka served on the //Kharas Regional Council as a councillor for !Nami#nus constituency before her appointment. Speaking on her appointment, Ndjaleka said decentralisation forms a huge part of her appointment, emphasising that the president appointed individuals selected by the people in the regions.
“We were appointed by her excellency, seven deputy ministers from the national council – a very historic moment that means that decentralisation is real,” Ndjaleka said.
She urged her colleagues to diligently continue carrying out the mandate of the government while she represents them at the national level.
“You must participate and help us to carry out the mandate of the //Kharas region. The //Kharas region can build trust with the government. This is simply that, because it’s about decentralisation, it’s about making sure the services are felt at the grassroots,” the deputy minister said.
She praised the staff of the //Kharas regional office, calling them “young and useful” and urged them to energetically carry out government tasks.
Ndjaleka expressed gratitude and highlighted the importance of supporting one another in fulfilling their mandates.
She reflected on her leadership journey, acknowledging that the struggles faced were shared by the community. “My suffering was yours too, and our successes will be yours,” she said to the former council and staff members.
Ndjaleka urged all stakeholders to work hand in hand to strengthen service delivery and build confidence in the government.