Toini Sam
Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah ( NNNN) has served in various leadership positions and demonstrated her dedication to the Namibian nation. Her leadership vision is forward-looking and centered on a social economic developmental model grounded in five key principles: Pragmatism, Integrity, Accountability, Meritocracy, and Inclusivity, abbreviated as (PIAMI), which she relates to Namibia’s context – simple yet effective and efficient.
Netumbo aims to build on her predecessors’ legacy with creativity and innovation while promoting these principles. Despite numerous challenges, she has remained resilient and committed to serving her people beyond the call of duty. She is a tried and tested cadre refined to serve her country and its people while embodying the pragmatic leadership style explained in Anchor 1.
Pragmatic leadership
Netumbo advocates for pragmatic leadership, emphasising passion, care, and action-oriented solutions to challenges. This leadership style seeks effective and efficient, lasting solutions for the benefit of the people, regardless of obstacles. She commits to prioritising practical approaches to address issues and reform outdated laws hindering Namibia’s progress . It is essential to review and amend laws to improve livelihoods and address economic challenges through resource beneficiation. Netumbo believes sectors like agriculture, mining, and tourism can benefit Namibia.
Urgent issues include youth unemployment, health facility improvements, strengthening education, fighting gender-based violence, poverty alleviation, and leveraging natural resources.Pragmatic leadership in Namibia requires all gatekeepers to commit to actionable strategies. Under Netumbo’s guidance, programmes will focus on transparency, effective implementation with clear targets and realistic time frames. This approach aims to optimize resources, prevent duplication, align skills, and incentivize the workforce for enhanced productivity and service delivery.
Agricultural sector
Namibia has the potential for self-reliance and food security, with agriculture as a key sector to alleviate poverty. Its full potential remains unrealised, necessitating targeted interventions to combat hunger among those below the poverty line. Effective agricultural programs, updated technology, and accountable management are essential.
A review of existing programmes is needed, alongside an expansion of operational Green Schemes in scope, production, and management to achieve sustainability. Other initiatives like the Livestock Levy and National Horticulture Development Initiative will be evaluated for food security in Namibia, requiring investment and leadership in agriculture. Coordination between sectors is essential, and policies must align with sustainability goals.The government commit to enhance water security by expediting the Erongo Region desalination plant and utilizing the Ohangwena Aquifer and Neckartal Dam for rural access. Additionally, increasing subsidies for farmers on seeds, fertilizers, and vaccines will boost agricultural productivity, while The Equal User Fund will incentivize livestock production.
Mining sector
The mining industry has the potential to create sustained wealth and prosperity if fully utilised. This requires the development of policies aimed at enhancing economic benefits through effective management of natural resources. Despite the mining sector being a cornerstone of the economy, its benefits have not suffiently translated into improving the living standards of our people .
The country deserves greater benefits from its resources and must engage strategically with stakeholders to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes. In this context, the government commits to coordinating and regulating the responsible exploitation and sustainable use of natural resources for the benefit of its people.
Similar to the agricultural sector, a review of relevant mining sector Acts will be conducted to ensure they prioritise the economic advancement and improved living standards of Namibians. The government is committed to reviving uranium exploration and mining activities, as well as exploring new gold mines that have the potential to create more jobs. This initiative aims to ensure that our natural resources are processed in Namibia rather than exported in their raw unprocessed form.
Fishing sector
The fishing sector, whether combined with agriculture and mining or functioning independently, has the potential to significantly enhance the lives of all Namibians. Despite some progress, including the establishment of regulatory policies and monitoring tools, the sector delivers below the expectations of the Namibian people. A thorough review of existing policies is essential to ensure that this national resource can contribute more effectively to both the local economy and the social advancement of Namibians. Policies need to be adapted to reflect national needs and encourage greater involvement and ownership among local communities in the fishing industry. The goverment commits to provide allocation of fish quotas for regional development.
Tourism sector
Netumbo was privileged to serve as Minister of Environment and Tourism of Namibia before, She asserts that the tourism sector is crucial for unlocking the country’s economic potential. The increase in global tourists choosing Namibia as a destination highlights its appeal on an international level. To leverage this advantage, it is important to maintain a safe and stable environment to encourage repeat visits. Ultimately, there is a need to revise policies to enhance local participation in tourism, with the government’s role being to continuously develop and implement policies that improve the lives of our people.
The government commit to develop a spartial Tourism Master Plan to attract and encourage new investments, increase rural community participation in tourism activities through actourism while preserving cultural heritage among others.
Effective service delivery
Netumbo holds strong views that pragmatic leadership must motivate improved service delivery, requiring committed civil servants who actively implement policies. She identifies key factors hindering quality service, notably our personal and collective attitudes towards serving the Namibian people. Essential qualities like honesty and commitment are crucial, as their absence can lead to corruption and nepotism, ultimately undermining effective service delivery in Namibian society. On page 44 of the Swapo Party Manifesto, there is a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan designed to conduct a comprehensive mid-term evaluation of the implementation of the manifesto.
Sport, cultural and creative industries
As a nation, we value our diversity and recognise the need to create opportunities for youth in creative fields such as film studios and vocational training centers among others. Allocating resources for individuals to refine their talents and achieve financial independence is essential.
As a collective we must reassess policies to support career advancement and foster self-employment, acknowledging that the government cannot employ everyone. It is therfore important to encourage individuals to pursue jobs aligned with their interests and to foster environments where citizens can discover and utilise their unique talents to secure livelihoods. The government commits to accelerate financing of various sports programmes and infrustructure, strengthening the reward policy to incentivise performing athletes and upgrading national sports facilities.
Intergrity
Integrity is a key aspect of her leadership philosophy for Namibia, emphasizing ethical leadership as essential for sustainable development. It fosters strong individuals and communities. Leaders must serve the people, uphold accountability, and defend the law while strengthening institutions to address ethical lapses from the top down.
Netumbo’s administration will foster honesty, transparency, and fairness, addressing greed, unemployment, and poverty. Corruption will not be tolerated, offenders will face legal consequences. National development relies on combating corruption to ensure effective service delivery without prejudice.
Accountability
Netumbo defines accountability as being answerable and liable, closely linked to integrity in collective leadership. Leaders must serve the people and face consequences for poor service delivery or ethical violations. This commitment can enhance service delivery and national development. Both public and private leaders should lead by example, holding themselves and others accountable, as no one is above the law. Patriotism is tied to accountability under national laws and policies, necessitating frameworks for measurement. We are duty bound to create frameworks to measure accountability, as we are stewards of our country’s resources. Accountability to each other is fundamental to our national identity.
Meritocracy
Namibia must prepare for global competition by developing a merit-based workforce. The 21st century requires skills in both public and private sectors to achieve national goals. Emphasizing meritocracy can accelerate development. Leadership should transform institutions into centers of excellence, promoting mentorship and skills transfer. Succession programs are vital for leadership continuity, addressing generational changes while meeting current and future needs.
Meritocracy goes beyond filling positions with skilled people. It calls for an educational system that fosters a strong work ethic and excellence from a young age, promoting knowledge transfer from experienced individuals to emerging leaders, while enabling youth to take on significant societal roles through substantial educational investment.
Inclusivity
Netumbo’s theme is unity in diversity :resource beneficiation, shared prosperity and youth empowerment.I It places great emphasis on inclusivity , inspired by former President Dr. Hage G. Geingob’s belief that “no one should feel left out”. She advocates for equal opportunities to benefit from Namibia’s resources and aims to bridge gaps between the haves and have-nots. This involves reviewing policies that hinder progress and addressing economic disparities caused by structural imbalances. The time has come to give full meaning and expression of the slogan, ‘One Namibia, One Nation’ says Netumbo. We cannot remain comfortable in a country where some have plenty while others have almost nothing. This urgent issue requires action from all stakeholders, and I will work to promote inclusivity. We can move beyond slogans and genuinely embrace each other in brotherhood, regardless of our differences. Our nation’s diversity should be celebrated as a strength, uniting us rather than dividing us.
In conclusion, essential sectors for economic development need supportive enablers like quality education, healthcare, housing, and energy to facilitate effective implementation.
*The article is a summary of NNNN leadership vision for Namibia by Toini Sam, a Master’s Degree graduate in International Relations, author, and a member of the SWAPO Party think tank.
