Niël Terblanché
The appointment of Netumbu Nandi-Ndaitwah as the new Vice President of Namibia following the death of President Hage Geingob last Sunday left certain positions in the country’s Cabinet vacant.
To ensure the effective delivery of services to the Namibian people, President Nangolo Mbumba during a special ceremony at State House, appointed the Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa as the new Deputy Prime Minister.
The President said that in his role as Deputy Prime Minister, Mutorwa will assist the Prime Minister, Saara Kuukongelwa-Amadhila with Disaster Risk Management and prevention, preparedness, response and recovery and to perform other functions as may be assigned by the Prime Minister.
As Minister of Works and Transport, Mutorwa will continue to oversee the development and maintenance of national infrastructure and to deepen collaboration with neighbouring countries in the development of critical roads, rail, maritime and aviation infrastructure that facilitate the movement of goods and people.
According to the President, Mutorwa is further expected to facilitate the development of capabilities of Namibian SME contractors and local firms to actively participate in the sector and to develop industry standards for professional Bodies operating in the public works and transport sector.
He is also expected to implement mechanisms to continuously improve and monitor maritime and aviation safety.
Dr Peya Mushelenga was appointed as the new Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
As the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mushelenga is entrusted with the primary functions of formulating, promoting and executing Namibia’s foreign policy and management of bilateral, regional and international relations.
The President said that he is also expected to protect the interests of the Republic of Namibia, Namibian citizens and entities abroad.
As a key deliverable, Mushelenga is expected to conclude the Genocide Negotiations and facilitate consensus on the model of reparations.
He is also to secure strategic deployment of Namibians into multilateral organisations and to facilitate a share of development funding via bilateral partners.
Emma Theofelus was promoted from Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology to fill the ministerial role.
President Mbumba said that Theofelus is expected to strengthen the foundation for the accelerated use and development of ICT and ensure the interoperability and compatibility of the ICT systems.
“You are also expected to oversee effective implementation of communications legislation to address accessibility and affordability of information communication technologies by the majority of Namibians,” he said.
He added that as the Official Government Spokesperson, Theofelus must ensure prompt and effective dissemination of information regarding Government programmes, communicate Cabinet decisions and proactively act as a media focal point.
She is further expected to promote unfettered access by the media to public information, in order to strengthen democracy and good governance; and consolidate Government information systems to ensure cohesive and integrated media communications from all Offices, Ministries and Agencies.
Modestus Amutse was appointed as the new Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology.
President Mbumba said that as Deputy Minister, Amutse will assist the minister in strengthening the foundation for the accelerated use and development of ICT and ensure inter-operability/comparability of the ICT systems.
The Deputy Minister is also expected to assist the Minister oversee the effective implementation of communications legislation to address the accessibility and affordability of information communication technologies by the majority of our people.
President Mbumba stated that all the appointments will come into effect immediately.
President Mbumba used the opportunity to express confidence and trust in the ability, commitment and fairness with which all the appointees will discharge their duties and responsibilities for the benefit of the Namibian people.
“These appointments are not for your benefit. It is for the benefit of the Namibian people,” the President urged the new office bearers.
After each of the newly appointed ministers received their official letters of appointment, they took the oath of their new offices with the aid of Chief Justice Peter Shivute.
