Auleria Wakudumo
Land reform minister Inge Zaamwani has welcomed newly appointed members of the Land Reform Advisory Commission, while paying tribute to outgoing ones for their service to the country’s land reform programme.
In a speech read on her behalf by the agriculture deputy minister Ruthy Masake, Zaamwani said land reform remains one of Namibia’s most important national priorities aimed at addressing historical injustices and promoting equitable access to land.
She said the Land Reform Advisory Commission plays a key role in advising the minister on the acquisition, allocation and administration of commercial agricultural land for land reform purposes under the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act.
Zaamwani noted that land reform should not only address past imbalances in land ownership but also ensure that land becomes a productive national asset capable of supporting rural livelihoods, creating jobs and strengthening agricultural productivity.
The new commissioners are Alfred Sikopo, who will serve as acting chairperson of the commission, Petrus Nangolo as deputy chairperson, Charles Uugwanga, Frans Kamati, Paulus Hausiku, Petrina Mpahleni, Alexandria Angala, Thomas Uuyuni, Adolf Muremi, Kay-Dieter Rumpf, Manfred Rukoro and Nguvitjita Kapere.
The minister also officially welcomed the incoming commissioners whose term of office started on 1 May 2026 and will run until 30 April 2029. The outgoing commissioners are Aune Shipanga, Winnie Mwilima, Jacobina Amulungu, Maria Immanuel, Spendu Tjipe, Jan Jarson, Jason Emvula, Martin Hilbert and Emmanuel Masule. Zaamwani stated that the commission serves as an important link between her office and society by keeping the government informed about public expectations regarding land reform.
She urged the new commissioners to uphold the tradition and contribute towards efforts aimed at poverty eradication and socio-economic transformation through equitable land ownership.