Joseph Kaula 

OKONGO – President Netumbo Nandi- Ndaitwah convened leaders from Zambezi, Kavango East and West, Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto, and Kunene regions to deliberate on the 2026 work agenda recently while on her festive season retreat. 

The meeting took place on Sunday at the President’s residence in Onheleiwa, Okongo constituency, Ohangwena region. 

The President welcomed the regional and local authorities, noting the importance of aligning priorities at the beginning of the year. 

She emphasised collective responsibility and urged leaders to move away from the perception of “poor versus rich regions”, stressing that all resources should be harnessed to uplift vulnerable communities. 

Nandi-Ndaitwah also raised concerns about parliamentary inefficiency, highlighting that no laws have been passed in the last nine months due to deliberate obstructions. She encouraged leaders to remain proactive in advancing government programmes to benefit all Namibians. 

A moment of silence was observed during the meeting in tribute to the late liberation veteran and Onambutu headman, Kanana Hishoono. 

At the meeting the President announced a State funeral for Hishoono, with an official memorial scheduled for Friday and burial on Saturday at the Eenhana Shrine. 

Ohangwena governor Kadiva Hamutumwa, alongside defence minister Frans Kapofi, will liaise with the family on funeral arrangements. 

The meeting underscored the need for unity, efficient service delivery, and strategic planning across northern regions. 

*Joseph Kaula is an information officer at MICT Ohangwena.