Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) has served in various leadership positions and demonstrated her dedication to the Namibian nation. 

Her leadership vision is forward-looking and centred on a social-economic developmental model, grounded in five key principles: pragmatism, integrity, accountability, meritocracy and inclusivity.

She aims to build on her predecessors’ legacy with creativity and innovation while promoting these principles. 

Despite numerous challenges, she has remained resilient and committed to serving her people beyond the call of duty. 

She is a tried and tested cadre, refined to serve her country and its people while embodying the pragmatism.

Pragmatic leadership

Nandi-Ndaitwah advocates for pragmatic leadership, emphasising passion, care and action-oriented solutions to challenges. This leadership style seeks effective and efficient, lasting solutions for the benefit of the people, regardless of obstacles.  She commits to prioritising practical approaches to address issues and reform outdated laws hindering Namibia’s progress. 

It is essential to review and amend laws to improve livelihoods and address economic challenges through resource beneficiation. NNN believes sectors like agriculture, mining and tourism can benefit Namibia. 

Urgent issues include youth unemployment, health facility improvements, strengthening education, fighting gender-based violence, poverty alleviation and leveraging natural resources. Pragmatic leadership in Namibia requires all gatekeepers to commit to actionable strategies. Under her guidance, programmes will focus on transparency and effective implementation with clear targets and realistic time frames. 

Agricultural sector

Namibia has the potential for self-reliance and food security, with agriculture as a key sector to alleviate poverty. 

Its full potential remains unrealised, necessitating targeted interventions to combat hunger among those below the poverty line. 

Effective agricultural programmes, updated technology and accountable management are essential.

A review of existing programmes is needed, alongside an expansion of operational green schemes in scope, production and management to achieve sustainability.

Other initiatives like the livestock levy and national horticulture development will be evaluated for food security in Namibia, requiring investment and leadership in agriculture.

Coordination between sectors is essential, and policies must align with sustainability goals.

The government committed to enhancing water security by expediting the Erongo region desalination plant and utilising the Ohangwena Aquifer and Neckartal Dam for rural access.

Mining sector 

The mining industry has the potential to create sustained wealth and prosperity if fully utilised.

This requires the development of policies aimed at enhancing economic benefits through the effective management of natural resources. 

Despite the mining sector being a cornerstone of the economy, its benefits have not sufficiently translated into improving the living standards of our people. 

The country deserves greater benefits from its resources, and must engage strategically with stakeholders to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes. 

In this context, the government commits to coordinating and regulating the responsible exploitation and sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of its people. 

The government is committed to reviving uranium exploration and mining activities as well as exploring new gold mines that have the potential to create more jobs. 

This initiative aims to ensure that our natural resources are processed in Namibia rather than exported in their raw, unprocessed form.

Fishing sector  

The fishing sector, whether combined with agriculture and mining, or functioning independently, has the potential to significantly enhance the lives of all Namibians. 

Despite some progress, including the establishment of regulatory policies and monitoring tools, the sector delivers below the expectations of the Namibian people. 

A thorough review of existing policies is essential to ensure that this national resource can contribute more effectively to both the local economy and the social advancement of Namibians. 

Policies need to be adapted to reflect national needs, and encourage greater involvement and ownership among local communities in the fishing industry. 

Tourism sector

Nandi-Ndaitwah was privileged to serve as the Minister of Environment and Tourism of Namibia. 

She asserted that the tourism sector is crucial for unlocking the country’s economic potential.

The increase in global tourists choosing Namibia as a destination highlights its appeal on an international level.

To leverage this advantage, it is important to maintain a safe and stable environment to encourage repeat visits. 

The government is committed to developing a spatial tourism master plan to attract and encourage new investments and increase rural community participation in tourism activities through ecotourism while preserving cultural heritage.

Effective service delivery

Nandi-Ndaitwah strongly believes that pragmatic leadership must motivate improved service delivery, requiring committed civil servants who actively implement policies. 

She identifies key factors hindering quality service, notably our personal and collective attitudes towards serving the Namibian people. 

Essential qualities like honesty and commitment are crucial, as their absence can lead to corruption and nepotism, ultimately undermining effective service delivery in the Namibian society.

Sport, cultural and creative industries

As a nation, we value our diversity and recognise the need to create opportunities for youth in creative fields such as film studios and vocational training centres. Allocating resources for individuals to refine their talents and achieve financial independence is essential. 

As a collective, we must reassess policies to support career advancement and foster self-employment, acknowledging that the government cannot employ everyone. It is, therefore, important to encourage individuals to pursue jobs aligned with their interests, and to foster environments where citizens can discover and utilise their unique talents to secure livelihoods. 

The government commits to accelerating the financing of various sports programmes and infrastructure, strengthening the reward policy to incentivise performing athletes and upgrading national sports facilities.

Integrity

Integrity is a key aspect of NNN’s leadership philosophy for Namibia, emphasising ethical leadership as essential for sustainable development.

It fosters strong individuals and communities.  Leaders must serve the people, uphold accountability and defend the law while strengthening institutions to address ethical lapses from the top down.  NNN’s administration will foster honesty, transparency and fairness and address greed, unemployment and poverty. 

Accountability

NNN defines accountability as being answerable and liable, closely linked to integrity in collective leadership. Leaders must serve the people and face consequences for poor service delivery or ethical violations.  This commitment can enhance service delivery and national development. 

Public and private leaders should lead by example, holding themselves and others accountable, as no one is above the law. Patriotism is tied to accountability under national laws and policies, necessitating frameworks for measurement. 

Meritocracy

Namibia must prepare for global competition by developing a merit-based workforce.  The 21st century requires skills in both public and private sectors to achieve national goals.  Emphasising meritocracy can accelerate development. Leadership should transform institutions into centres of excellence, promoting mentorship and skills transfer. Succession programmes are vital for leadership continuity, addressing generational changes while meeting current and future needs. 

Inclusivity

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s theme is unity in diversity, resource beneficiation, shared prosperity and youth empowerment. It places great emphasis on inclusivity, inspired by the late president Hage G. Geingob’s belief that “no one should feel left out”. She advocates for equal opportunities to benefit from Namibia’s resources, and aims to bridge gaps between the haves and have-nots.  

This involves reviewing policies that hinder progress and addressing economic disparities caused by structural imbalances. 

The time has come to give full meaning and expression to the slogan ‘One Namibia, One Nation’, said Nandi-Ndaitwah. 

We cannot remain comfortable in a

 country where some have plenty while others have almost nothing. This urgent issue requires action from all stakeholders, and I will work to promote inclusivity. 

We can move beyond slogans and genuinely embrace each other in brotherhood, regardless of our differences. 

*Toini Sam holds a master’s degree in international relations. She is an author and a member of the Swapo think tank.