By Toivo Ndjebela
WINDHOEK – Proactive plans should be put in place to make use of President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s wisdom and leadership experience beyond March 21, local analysts suggest.
The curtain on Pohamba’s presidency comes down in 58 days and it has been suggested that the experience he has gained both as minister in different portfolios and ultimately president, must be preserved and used for the country’s benefit.
Pohamba, who turns 80 in August, was Minister of Home Affairs from 1990 to 1995, Minister of Fisheries from 1995 to 1997, Minister without Portfolio from 1997 to 2000, and Minister of Lands from 2001 to 2005. He was also secretary general of Swapo from 1997 to 2002 and vice-president of the same party from 2002 to 2007.
Although he is stepping down in March, Pohamba will remain president of the ruling party.
“He is a quality leader, especially in terms of his peacefulness and his willingness to listen. That makes him a good mediator and can be used in such situations,” political “He likes stability and continuity and that is probably why he did not reshuffle Cabinet a lot of times during his tenure because he wanted to maintain continuity,” Kaumbi said, describing the President as a harmonising figure.
Many nations have jealously protected the wisdom and intellectual input of their former heads of state, including neighbouring South Africa, which has fruitfully used its former presidents Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki in critical situations.
Mbeki, for example, has led mediations between Sudan and South Sudan on behalf of the African Union.
Also on instruction of the African Union, Mbeki led a mediation mission aimed at resolving the political crisis in Ivory Coast in 2010, where both then president Laurent Gbagbo and his rival, Alassane Ouattara, were separately sworn in as president.
Kaumbi believes Pohamba’s personality qualifies him to mediate in international conflicts, especially those involving African countries.
“He’s a neutral person and that gives him an edge.”
Kaumbi believes founding president, Sam Nujoma, has been heavily underutilised, and hopes the nation has learnt from that mishap.
“President Sam Nujoma was not used enough, yet he is a man who was exposed to many situations in the world but somehow we did not capitalise on that.”
Vincent Likoro, a revolutionary president of Nanso in his heyday, said Pohamba has served in many capacities – especially in international bodies – and the country should take advantage of that.
“As the English say, don’t throw out the baby with the bath water,” Likoro said.
“President Pohamba played a decisive role in the Madagascar conflict and he also served as chair of the SADC Organ for Politics, Defence and Security. The exposure from such experience is immeasurable and must be preserved.
“In Swapo, we had situations that could be described as a crisis, such as those involving the youth league (SPYL), but under the leadership of President Pohamba, the party actually emerged stronger.
“His statesmanship and fatherly figure, his love for peace and security and his passion for agriculture, are all important to retain beyond March 21,” Likoro said.
Another analyst, Professor Gerhard Tottermeyer, said the incumbent president can offer leadership training once he vacates State House.
“With all his experience, Pohamba can offer leadership training to many people, especially the young elite and the middle class.”
Kaumbi said in order to make sure that Pohamba’s post-retirement roles do not clash with the mandate of his successor, he can involve himself in matters of developmental nature, but on a low-key level.
“His role can be of an advisory nature on matters like HIV. In fact, he can also start a blog, like Cuba’s Fidel Castro, and offer opinion and advice on matters of public discourse,” he suggested.