Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Some regional governors are reportedly eyeing diplomatic posts as their terms of office are nearing an end.
While no official announcements have been made, sources indicate that these governors, whose terms were extended until 20 June, are lobbying for ambassadorial appointments.
The governors are said to be leveraging their political and regional leadership experience in lobbying for postings abroad.
Diplomatic appointments are usually timed with the international school calendar, starting in August or September, to allow diplomats with school-going children to secure placements.
About 25 diplomatic positions are expected to be filled, with new appointees serving five-year terms.
Among the key vacancies is the post in Ghana, which opened after former High Commissioner Selma Ashipala-Musavyi was appointed Minister of International Relations and Trade.
Omusati governor Erginus Endjala dismissed the speculation, saying he is not in a position to comment on the matter.
“There may be some truth in it, but to my knowledge, I was never approached for any appointments. I was never called by any person. Literally, I’m just working as the governor for my three-month extension, and that is what I’m concentrating on. My mandate is to take care of the region until the elected governor takes over, and maybe there will be a next assignment from there,” Endjala said.
Erongo governor Neville Andre also dismissed the speculation, saying he has no knowledge of any such plans.
“My appointment is in the hands of the president, and I don’t know or have heard of anything,” Andre said.
Other governors who are serving a three-month extension include Lawrence Sampofu of the Zambezi region, Elia Irimari of the Oshana region, Aletta Fredericks of the ||Karas region, Sebastian Ndeitunga of the Ohangwena region and Pijoo Nganate of the Omaheke region.
The executive director in the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, Penda Naanda, clarified the process for ending diplomatic service.
“When their diplomatic term comes to an end, the ambassador is issued a letter of recall from the president. However, an ambassador can serve for two terms. Currently, in Ghana, we have someone who was appointed to be in charge of that office, who is usually the second-in-command and is currently overseeing operations,” Naanda explained.
Naanda added that the president has the constitutional authority to appoint ambassadors, citing Article 32 of the Namibian Constitution.
“Without derogating from the generality of the functions and powers contemplated by Sub-Article (1) hereof, the President shall preside over meetings of the Cabinet and shall have the power, subject to this Constitution, to accredit, receive and recognise ambassadors, and to appoint ambassadors, plenipotentiaries, diplomatic representatives and other diplomatic officers, consuls, and consular officers,’ he said.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah last week appointed seven new regional governors to fill the vacancies left by those elected to Parliament and those who retired.
Former deputy minister of industrialisation and trade Verna Sinimbo has been appointed governor of the Kavango-West region, while former National Assembly member Julius Hamunyera Hambyuka will take charge of the Kavango-East region.
Businessman Sacky Kathindi has been named Governor of Oshikoto, while former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentarian Vipuakuje Muharukua will serve as the Governor of Kunene.
John Julius ||Khmuseb has been appointed as the Governor of Otjozondjupa, with City of Windhoek councillor, Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma assuming the role of Governor of Khomas.
Riaan Charles McNab has been named Governor of Hardap.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the newly appointed governors to deliver on their mandates and ensure efficient governance in their respective regions. The terms of the remaining seven regional governors have been extended until 20 June 2025.
