Stefanus Nashama
Daniel Kashikola, the former Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, said he did not risk his life in the war for the liberation of Namibia for entitlement but for his love of the country, and for that reason, he has accepted the decision of President Hage Geingob to relieve him of his duty.
“I was appointed by the President by a letter and relieved by the President by a letter. Where were you when I was appointed and why are you only concerned when I was relieved of ministerial duty? There was no explanation about my appointment, so the same should apply to my release,” he said.
He said his appointment started with the power vested in the President.
He, however, admitted that he was not aware of the fact that he was going to be relieved from duty until he received the letter from the President.
He was replaced with Lucia Witbooi whose mandate, includes improving and expediting service delivery in critical areas and fortifying national security efforts.
Witbooi’s appointment reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Namibian citizens and visitors to the country.
Kashikola yesterday said he did not fight for freedom only to be compensated with special positions in government.
“I fought for the freedom of the Namibian people, not for entitlement or for a position. I do not seek positions,” he said.
Kashikola pointed out that he does not have hard feelings towards the President after being fired from his position as Deputy Minister.
He stressed that he respects sovereignty, which is the people who voted him into Parliament through the Swapo Party.
“There is no conflict between me, the President or Swapo. I am still a member of Parliament on the Swapo ticket,” he explained.
Kashikola said he would continue to serve the nation through Parliament until the people who voted for him decided otherwise.
He explained that when he joined Swapo in the 1970s, he had to fight in the war for the liberation of Namibia and that he even had to suffer after being wounded. He added that he did all out of patriotism.
According to Presidential Spokesperson, Alfredo Hengari, the reshuffle came into effect immediately, and it’s a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and enhancing security measures for the benefit of its citizens and visitors.
“By virtue of the powers vested in the President by Article 32(6) of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, President Hage G. Geingob has relieved Honourable Daniel Kashikola of the duties of Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) with immediate effect. President Geingob would like to thank Honourable Daniel Kashikola for his services as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration and Security, and wishes him well in his future endeavours,” said Hengari.
New appointees include Natalia Goagoses who was appointed as Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation.
According to Hengari, Goagoses is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s higher education sector and spearheading efforts towards embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Eveline Nawases-Tayele was appointed Deputy Minister of Urban and Regional Development to foster a culture of excellence and efficiency within the Ministry, ultimately leading to improved public service delivery.
