Aletta Shikololo
Lahja Nashuuta
President Nangolo Mbumba says he has no presidential ambitions beyond 21 March 2025, quashing claims that he could run for the highest office in the land in November.
Mbumba, who was sworn in by Chief Justice Peter Shivute on Sunday, about 15 hours after the death of President Hage Geingob, has since become the centre of attention, with rumours suggesting that he is considering to run for the Presidency, beyond Geingob’s term.
“As the newly sworn-in president, I consider my role to be of an intermediate nature to optimally conclude the term of office of Hage Geingob; to ensure the security of our people; to serve all communities to the best of my ability; and finally to manage the transition to the next president, whom the Namibian people will elect, come November 2024. Let me make it crystal-clear, I have no intention, desire or ambition to stand for any office,” Mbumba told lawmakers yesterday.
He was opening the ninth session of the seventh parliament, one of his first major assignments since becoming head of state.
The event took place in a sombre mood: no red carpet, no gun salute, no fashion and flair, or flamboyance of any nature.
All members of parliament were dressed in black, a colour which symbolises the ritual of mourning.
Black shade was also dwarfing the public gallery, where several diplomats and invited guests gathered to witness and listen to the new president’s address to the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council.
In his parliamentary address, Mbumba reminded the parliamentarians of the public’s expectations of them as a pillar of State.
He urged them to prioritise the pending Bills from last year, and pass them without delay so that they can be submitted for assent (signed into law).
Mbumba was referring to the Regional Constituency Fund Bill, Health Professions Bill, Namibia Energy Regulator Bill, Electricity Bill, Marriage Bill, Child Justice Bill, Ombudsman Bill and Marriage Bill.
Also, the Divorce Bill, Public Gatherings and Demonstrations Bill, Regularisation of Status of Certain Residents, their Foreign Spouses and their Descendants Bill, Roads Bill and Vehicle Mass Bill will be amongst the Bills to be enacted this year.
“Last year, several critical Bills were tabled in this House. Some of them were passed, while others remain pending. As you set your agenda for this year, it is expected that pending Bills be prioritised, as per your mandate,” emphasised the President.
Mbumba maintained that members of parliament play a vital role in ensuring that the laws passed in parliament respond to the diverse needs and aspirations of the citizens.
He, therefore, recommended that the members of parliament increase citizenry engagement through various standing committees.
“Members, you should continue to engage with all stakeholders, and also consider reconvening the 6th Session of the Children’s Parliament, which was last held in August 2019”.
He defined the Children’s’ Parliament and Junior National Council as platforms where young people gather to debate issues affecting them and make recommendations to relevant offices, ministries and agencies.
At the conclusion of the President’s speech, various members of political parties shared their plans around the year’s parliamentary work.
Patience Masua said “my expectation for this year is to push through as many Bills as possible. I hope to see the Land Control Bill, which was supposed to be passed last year, being enacted into law.”
The National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo)’s president Utjiua Muinjangue revealed that her party’s focus will be on the pending Bills, especially the Divorce and Marriage Bills.
“I noticed that parliament had neglected lots of Bills last year. For us as members of parliament, and Nudo in particular, we will make sure that those Bills are up for
discussion”.
The Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Vipuakuje Muharukua said “we did not expect to have a detailed speech in terms of expectations of the year from the executive, given the sad situation our country is finding itself in.
The nation is mourning, coupled with the fact that the late president was his best friend. What we got from what he says is the emphasis on the pillar of the State, and what is expected from us as parliamentarians. However, we are mourning, and I believe that after the mourning period, our minds will be able to reset, and we can be able to plan forward,” he reiterated.
Kalimbo Ipumbu of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) had this to say:
“Namibia is in a dark cloud. We are mourning our president, a man of integrity. We all need to sit and reflect on the legacy that our president has left us with; a man of peace who wanted Namibia flourishing and prospering.
We will try to push for laws and policies from which our residents can benefit”.