Today is the final day for President Nangolo Mbumba in the highest office in the land at 1 Engelberg Street, Auasblick. Tomorrow, he will hand over the leadership baton to president-elect, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
As Mbumba prepared to hand over the reins of leadership, New Era’s State House correspondent Loide Jason was granted exclusive access to document his final two days in office. This rare behind-the-scenes glimpse offers a unique perspective on the final moments of a presidency.
Day 1: Farewell
On Tuesday, president Mbumba’s day started at exactly 08h50 when he arrives at State House. Wearing a navy-blue suit, well-polished black shoes, a white cotton shirt and a red tie, he steps out of his official vehicle with a warm smile. Before heading to his office, he makes a brief stop to greet his secretary, engaging in a private conversation, which is not accessible to me.
His demeanour, calm yet purposeful, made it clear that Mbumba is a leader poised to conclude his tenure with dignity.
From there, he proceeds straight to Cabinet, where a pivotal final meeting awaits.
Before stepping into the chamber, he is greeted by Nandi-Ndaitwah, Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa, Deputy Prime Minister John Mutorwa as well as International Relations’ Minister Peya Mushelenga, who were all waiting to exchange pleasantries before the last official Cabinet sitting commenced.
Hitting the ground running, at 09h15, Mbumba enters the chamber.
The teacher by training’s speech was a blend of gratitude, encouragement and reflection, evoking mixed emotions.
Some ministers, particularly those unlikely to return, wore solemn expressions, while others smiled and clapped in appreciation of Mbumba’s leadership.
Once the speech was done, members of the media were asked to leave as the meeting continued behind closed doors.
For several hours, discussions ensued before the meeting officially ended at 14h12.
Without delay, Mbumba walked briskly back to his office, where he barely had a moment’s rest before his landline rang.
After attending to the call, he reviewed a green file on his desk, possibly finalising State matters. Shortly afterwards, he left for lunch, again a private moment.
By 14h31, the president was on to his next assignment.
He exited his office and joined his motorcade, enroute to deliver his farewell address at the 7th Parliament. The convoy arrived at Parliament at 14h39, where he is received by National Assembly Speaker Peter Katjavivi. After a brief meeting in the Speaker’s office, he is escorted into the National Assembly by Deputy Speaker, Loide Kasingo.
Under a drizzling sky, Mbumba made his way into the parliamentary chamber, welcomed with applause from lawmakers.
Address
At 14h57, he took the podium for his valedictory address, beginning with customary protocol acknowledgements.
His speech was light-hearted yet profound, as he expressed his excitement about leaving office after 13 difficult months.
Mbumba commended lawmakers for their cooperation during challenging times, urging them to uphold unity, equality and economic justice. He emphasised the importance of resisting division and corruption, a message that resonated deeply within the chamber.
As he wrapped up, emotions ran high – with opposition leaders commending his steady leadership, and lawmakers lined up to embrace him in heartfelt hugs.
Big hug
On the day, Namibia’s lauded democratic maturity was on full display.
It all started with the official leader of the opposition parties McHenry Venaani who, in a light moment jokingly referred to Mbumba as his “cousin”, but quickly turned serious as he commended him for holding the country together after the unexpected passing of president Hage Geingob.
“You stepped in when the country needed stability, and you provided just that. You are one leader who was ushered in the fire of our country’s most challenging times,” Venaani said.
When Venaani finished his few but strong words of expression of gratitude, he walked across the House, hugged and shook hands with Mbumba.
Across the political divide, the whole august House rose to its feet, giving Venaani a standing ovation following his message.
He said Mbumba not only rose to the occasion, but served the nation with humility, composure and diligence, continuing and ensuring the Geingob presidency had a soft landing.
Shortly after that, Swapo secretary general (SG) and Mbumba’s successor at the ruling party Sophia Shaningwa in her characteristic animated tone, described Mbumba as a “cool cat” and “a hard nut to crack”.
“You led during a difficult period, but you remained steady. We appreciate you for the good deeds and the responsibility you had in the Swapo Party and the nation at large,” she said.
Mbumba was Swapo’s top administrator between 2012 and 2017.
At 16h30, Mbumba departs for his official residence, where he took time to refresh and reflect before the evening’s engagements.
It is a tight schedule, and even I slightly struggle to keep up with the president’s pace.
However, in a surprising turn of events, he decides to cancel the planned Politburo meeting at the Old State House, bringing his official duties for the day to an end.
Travelling in the President’s motorcade throughout the day provided a unique insight into the rhythm of high office.
From the outside, the transition appeared smooth, but beneath the surface, it was a complex and weighty moment in the life of a statesman.
Day 2
As the sun rises over Namibia, president Mbumba’s second-last full day in office begins with his arrival at State House at 09h21. He first greets me, before entering the lift to go to his office. While in the lift, he shares a lighthearted moment with me, saying, “Are you working here, or are you the one responsible for this beautiful photo on the front page of New Era? Can I thank God for this picture or you?” he asks with a chuckle.
In less than a minute, he reaches his office, where he sits down and offers a short prayer. He then signals me to leave so he can prepare for his daily duties.
His day officially begins with an exclusive interview with NBC and New Era, where he reflects on his tenure. During the interview, Mbumba has a message for the incoming president, saying the presidency is a 24/7 job.
Don’t panic
He also speaks about the strength he found in difficult moments, particularly after the passing of the late Geingob. He recalls that former president Hifikepunye Pohamba personally came to him with reassuring words, advising him not to panic.
“I visited the late president [Geingob] a day before he passed [on]. The next day, I was called to the hospital. My wife accompanied me, but as soon as we arrived, I could see from the doctors’ expressions that the president had passed on,” he recalls. “President Pohamba then came to see me and said, ‘Mbumba, this has fallen on you. Don’t panic!’”
After the interview, Mbumba returns to his office at 10h44, awaiting his next engagement. At 11h00, he attends a briefing with the military delegation, led by Chief of Defence Martin Pinehas, along with Nandi-Ndaitwah and defence minister Frans Kapofi.
Following the hour-long briefing, Mbumba proceeds to Independence Stadium, where he is taken through protocol procedures for the upcoming 35th Independence Day celebrations, which will also coincide with the swearing-in of Nandi-Ndaitwah.
He is once again accompanied by President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah, as military personnel briefed them on the official arrangements.
At 13h12, he returns to his office for lunch before his next assignment. Following his meal, Mbumba initiates a photo session in military attire, an idea he seems to enjoy. The presidential photographers capture the moment, and he even calls his special assistant to join him, jokingly saying, “This will be the best picture of your life.”
After the photo session, he returns to his office, where he spends an hour preparing for his next visit – to president Pohamba.
At 16h00, he arrives at Pohamba’s residence in Auasblick, Windhoek. The elder statesman welcomes him warmly with a smile and an Oshiwambo greeting, “Oye naanaa!” before embracing him.
As the day draws to a close, the president has one final engagement: a family dinner at the Chinese Embassy in Windhoek.
With just one day left, the transition to a new era of leadership is nearly complete. Mbumba’s bags are packed and in the departure lounge. He is a man ready to go home.
-ljason@nepc.com.na