Newly-elected members of Parliament (MPs) in Namibia have started their leadership journey with an induction and orientation seminar aimed at preparing them for their roles in the 8th Parliament. The seminar that started on Monday focuses on fostering effective and meaningful democracy.
The event serves as an essential platform for MPs to understand their roles, parliamentary rules and procedures. It also provides an opportunity for them to engage in discussions on how best to serve the Namibian people and address the nation’s challenges.
In interviews conducted during the seminar, several MPs shared their hopes and goals for their time in office.
Festus Thomas, representing the Body of Christ Party, expressed optimism about the seminar’s impact on his work.
“This session will open our minds and guide us in how to better serve our electorate,” Thomas said. “I am happy to see parliament starting with this session, as it will foster greater collaboration on policies and national issues.”
Meanwhile, Martin Lukato, president of the National Democratic Party (NDP), highlighted the importance of understanding parliamentary procedures and the need for unity. “The orientation is crucial for us as lawmakers. It’s where we learn how to present motions, ask questions, and engage with committees. It’s vital for ensuring that all MPs work together to improve the lives of Namibians,” Lukato remarked.
He also called for the rotation of leadership positions, such as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, to avoid the dominance of a single political party in ,parliamentary committees. On his part, George Kambala, a representative from the Affirmative Repositioning movement, emphasised the privilege of serving the Namibian people. “We are here to ensure that the aspirations of our people are fulfilled. This induction programme is helping us understand the parliamentary rules and how we can serve our nation effectively,” Kambala said. He also stressed the importance of addressing pressing social issues like land, housing, and economic empowerment.