As President-Elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah prepares to ascend to the highest office in the land, the air of anticipation surrounding what her Cabinet will look like has gone into overdrive.
However, the seasoned politician and diplomat has played her cards close to the chest.
The of interest that has gripped many within the inner circles of power and influence is who Nandi-Ndaitwah could pick in key portfolios such as prime minister, deputy prime minister, vice president, and other key ministries cutting through the heart of the country’s economy. When asked about the issue yesterday, with a calculated approach, Nandi-Ndaitwah deemed it “premature” to divulge details, assuring the nation that all will be revealed when the time is ripe.
“Cabinet will only be put in place on the eve of the 21st [March] when the (current) Parliament is dissolved. That will be the time . . . as it has been the tradition, and it will continue,” Nandi-Ndaitwah, or ‘NNN,’ as the nation calls her, said. She was speaking during her first address to the media as president-elect.While addressing one of her star rallies last month, Nandi-Ndaitwah hinted at a retreat that would be taken soon to map out how her team would ensure the Swapo manifesto is implemented to the letter, through rigorous monitoring and evaluation.
The talk
As the nation speculates on her top picks, several senior members of the ruling party have emerged as potential contenders for key positions.
Among the names thrown around are Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s campaign manager; seasoned diplomat Kaire Mbuende; labour minister Utoni Nujoma; and former Swapo Party Youth League secretary Elijah Ngurare.
Nujoma, along with Anna Nghipondoka, Erastus Utoni, Obeth Kandjoze, Christine //Hoebes, Frans Kapofi, Peya Mushelenga, Itah Kandji-Murangi, and Tom Alweendo, are among party heavyweights who did not make the National Assembly cut, following the announcement of the election results on Tuesday evening.
To retain their current portfolios, move, or even return to parliament, they will have to rely on Nandi-Ndaitwah’s powers as Head of State to put them there. The President is constitutionally empowered to appoint eight individuals to the National Assembly.
Others who are tipped to get top appointments include Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa, a close ally of Nandi-Ndaitwah, and finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi.
For instance, whispers in the corridors are that Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who by March next year would have spent a decade at OPM, could be making her way to the National Assembly as Speaker.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila also spent 10 years in charge of the finance ministry.
Meanwhile, Ngurare has also been rumoured to be Kuugongelwa-Amadhila’s potential replacement, if not lined up for a full ministerial portfolio.
Ngurare, an executive in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, was roped into the Swapo National Assembly list as one of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s 10 appointees during the Swapo electoral college.
Meanwhile, diplomat Mbuende is also said to be in the mix.
Business unusual
While so much is expected of her, NNN said bring the game on, assuring the nation of her readiness to steer the Namibian ship forward.
“It’s not going to be business as usual. We must have a radical shift in addressing the plight of our people, especially the downtrodden and vulnerable communities. The time is now to address all known grey areas and challenges that we face without fear of failure,” she further assured.
Nandi-Ndaitwah identified agriculture, housing, health, education, land reform, and good labour relations, among others, as key areas that need attention.
Analysts
As the country waits with bated breath, experts have weighed in on the critical decisions that lie ahead.
Governance expert Marius Kudumo shared his perspective on the key considerations for assembling a competent and effective team to address Namibia’s pressing challenges.
“How does she want her government ministries to look? Which functions does she want to put where? That is the first issue,” Kudumo explained.
The second factor Kudumo highlighted is the 2024 Swapo election manifesto, with the importance of prioritising the country’s critical issues, including economic diversification, food security, and unemployment, particularly among the youth.
He also emphasised the need for efficient public service delivery across sectors such as education, health, rural development, and housing.
“When you have identified the key focus areas for the next five years, then it is about appointing people with the expertise or experience to implement and run programmes in those ministries,” Kudumo said.
Five years, Kudumo opined, is a short time in politics.
To succeed, Nandi-Ndaitwah must look beyond creating employment for her comrades and rather assemble a team ready to deliver on her campaign promises.
Foreign policy
He also touched on the country’s international standing, stressing the importance of appointing leaders capable of advancing the country’s agenda.
“International relations cooperation is an extension of domestic policies. Some of the things you want to do at home will rely on international support. Who is your mirror minister who will reflect what Namibia stands for and be able to meet (Donald) Trump and convince him about the position of Namibia?” he questioned.
Kudumo then underscored the urgency of addressing Namibia’s challenges with a team rooted in integrity.
“The issues facing the country are enormous and urgent. You need people with expertise, experience, and ethical, servant leadership – those who are humble and committed to serving to the best of their abilities, not people looking for a job. That’s where we are going wrong,” he concluded.
Meritocracy
Adding to this analysis, political scientist Rui Tyitende also dwelt on competence in the selection process.
“Do these people possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and expertise to
perform in certain critical ministries, for example, finance?” he asked.
In that instance, Tyitende said Iipumbu Shiimi would be a most obvious choice for finance minister’s portfolio, saying he is one of the few who possesses the qualifications and experience needed for that important role.
Trade and industrialisation, Tyitende said, is another portfolio Nandi-Ndaitwah should consider carefully.
He also highlighted the importance of evaluating potential candidates for positions such as minister of justice and of defence.
“When you look at the minister of justice, for example, you see potential candidates with law degrees, but the question is, would they make a good minister of justice? The same applies to defence – what kind of impetus will the candidates bring to that ministry?” he asked.
On health, Tyitende noted the country’s ongoing challenges with public service delivery, particularly in health care infrastructure.
“We still have people being treated under trees. We have not constructed a single hospital the size of Katutura or Central (Hospitals) since independence. What does that mean for the country?” he asked.
Despite the extensive list of elected members of parliament who could most likely be ministers, Tyitende expressed concern about the readiness of some of them.
“If you look at the parliamentary list, the first 52, I’m not convinced that at least 80% of these people will be able to really steer the boat in terms of the promises that the president-elect has made,” he said.