Niël Terblanché
George Simsataa, the Cabinet Secretary within the Office of the Prime Minister has announced the appointment of new Executive Directors (EDs) to various Namibian government ministries and agencies.
According to Simataa’s announcement, these appointments, which were recommended by the Public Service Commission in accordance with the Public Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 13 of 1995), come as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen leadership within key sectors of government.
Simataa said that the appointments will take effect on 1 November.
Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati has been appointed as the Executive Director for the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare.
According to Simataa, she brings with her a wealth of experience, having served as Deputy Executive Director at the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade since 2019.
In addition, she served as Acting Executive Director at the Ministry of Public Enterprises for a year in 2022. Her qualifications include a Master’s degree in International Trade and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics.
Nghipondoka-Robiati also held the position of Chief Executive Officer for the Namibia Trade Forum (NTF), further enhancing her leadership credentials.
“Her appointment comes at a critical time as Namibia continues to tackle the challenges of poverty eradication and gender equality,” Simataa said.
He added that with her vast experience in both the public and private sectors, Nghipondoka-Robiati is expected to play a key role in driving social welfare initiatives and ensuring that the ministry’s objectives are met.
Another appointment is that of Tuyakula Haipinge, who will assume the role of Executive Director for the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation.
Simataa said that Haipinge’s term will last for four years and eleven months.
She holds an MBA and has been the Deputy Executive Director in the Office of the Prime Minister since 2016, where she has been responsible for overseeing public service human resources and performance management at the policy and planning level.
Her extensive 18-year management experience positions her well to take on the challenges of this ministry, particularly in driving technological innovation and higher education reforms.
Michael Humavindu has been named the Executive Director of the National Planning Commission.
According to Simataa, Humavindu holds a Doctorate in Economics and has been serving as the Deputy Executive Director for Industrial Development at the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade since 2015.
“His experience spans both public and private sectors, including positions such as Manager of Research at the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and Director of Economics and Sector Research at the Namibian Competition Commission,” Simataa said.
He added that Humavindu’s appointment is anticipated to provide fresh impetus to the commission’s long-term development plans, particularly in fostering sustainable economic growth and industrialisation efforts.
Simataa, congratulated the new appointees, expressing confidence in their ability to lead their respective ministries and agencies towards achieving national goals.
He added that the appointments of Nghipondoka-Robiati, Haipinge, and Humavindu demonstrate the government’s commitment to filling key leadership roles with highly qualified and experienced individuals.
“Their appointments are seen as a significant step in ensuring that Namibia’s public institutions continue to deliver effective services and implement policies that address the country’s pressing needs,” he said.
