Newly appointed director of the National Disability Council of Namibia Angeline Philander says she will spend the majority of this year re-enforcing the council’s foundations, transforming its processes and procedures while implementing change management strategies to enable it to continue striving for excellence.

NDCN chairperson Lidwina Shapwa confirmed Philander’s appointment yesterday, saying she will serve the council for the next five years. 

Since 2013, the NDCN has been without a substantive director.

Philander will also facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the National Policy on Disability, implementing programmes for persons with disability and advocating and raising awareness on issues pertaining to persons of disabilities.

“Their rights and mainstreaming to mobilise resources for the council to strengthen its capacity to achieve greater inclusion and more active participation of persons with disability in society,” Shapwa said.

In her acceptance speech, Philander said she has no doubt that through engagement and partnership with all stakeholders in the disability funnel, the NDCN will achieve its vision, mission and goals.

“We will be set out in its integrated strategic business plan – and through continuous close collaboration with the social welfare ministry and its board, we will guide, direct and drive this institution to execute its functions as set out in its ACT, integrated strategic business plan and policies for the advancement of persons with disabilities in Namibia,” she said.