Allexer Namundjembo
President Nangolo Mbumba has urged new parliamentarians to uphold the principles of unity, liberty, equality, and justice.
In his final address to Parliament on Tuesday, he called on MPs to use the chamber to combat racism, tribalism, division, and corruption, ensuring progress in the country’s “Second Struggle for Economic Freedom.”
“Since I am now ending my political career to join my fellow citizens, I encourage current and future generations of members of parliament to continue using this chamber to advance these ideals,” Mbumba stated.
The country’s fourth president reflected on how parliament is where the sovereignty of the Namibian people finds expression, where citizens freely elect their representatives.
“It is here where the sovereignty of the Namibian people finds an important echo chamber. I am truly blessed to have been part of Parliament and to work closely with the Legislature,” he added.
As he bid farewell, Mbumba shared a personal story of his unexpected appointment as Vice President, recalling how President Geingob broke the news after several attempts to reach him.
“I will not forget the sequence of events, which saw me uprooted from my seat as an MP. When President Geingob eventually reached me, he was visibly annoyed. However, my explanation that I was at a book launch with former President Pohamba helped cool his mood,” Mbumba recalled.
The retiring politician has served Namibia since 1990, beginning his career as Secretary to the Cabinet.
He held this position until he was appointed Chief Executive Officer for the Joint Administration of Walvis Bay and Offshore Islands, overseeing its reintegration into Namibia.
Walvis Bay was officially reintegrated on 1 March 1994.
Mbumba became a member of the National Assembly in 1993 and served until 2018. During his tenure, he held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Agriculture, Water and Rural Development (1993–1996), Minister of Finance (1996–2003), Minister of Information and Broadcasting (2003–2005), Minister of Education (2005–2010), and Minister of Safety and Security (2010–2012).
Mbumba assumed full-time duties as the Secretary General of the ruling party, SWAPO, after his election in 2012.
In February 2018, he was appointed as the country’s second vice president following the death of Nickey Iyambo.
He served as vice president until 2024 when he assumed the presidency after the death of President Hage Geingob.
Popular Democratic Movement leader, McHenry Venaani praised Mbumba for his leadership, acknowledging the challenges he faced.
“When he became president, I sent him an SMS to express my support. It was a difficult year, but he led us through it,” Venaani said.
Deputy Health Minister Ester Muinjangue also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under Mbumba’s leadership.
“After the death of President Geingob, President Mbumba allowed me to continue in my portfolio,” she said.
NEFF leader, Epaphras Mukwiilongo also praised Mbumba for his leadership during a time of national mourning and transition.
Mukwiilongo said that Mbumba’s leadership, following the passing of President Geingob and the founding father Dr. Sam Nujoma, had been marked by stability and continuity.
He noted that Mbumba had carried out his duties with diligence, ensuring that the nation’s affairs remained on course.
“The bill by Jerry Ekandjo has been a challenge to you, but we will leave it to the future generation to make us proud and stand by our African cultural values and norms,” Mukwiilongo said.
