Allexer Namundjembo
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned against drug and alcohol abuse within the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), urging soldiers to uphold discipline and professionalism at all times.
The President’s remarks came at the conclusion of a seven-day familiarisation visit to military formations across the country.
The ministry of defence and veterans affairs announced on Monday that the visit, conducted from 27 June to 3 July, enabled the President, in her capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the NDF, to assess the Force’s operational readiness, infrastructure, and welfare through engagements with military personnel and inspections of facilities.
According to the ministry, the President visited the ministry, Army, Air Force and Navy headquarters, the Namibia Special Forces, the Namibia Command and Staff College, the NDF Training establishment, and the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade.
The ministry said Nandi-Ndaitwah consistently stressed that discipline remains central to the military profession while expressing concern over substance abuse within the ranks.
“Discipline remains the foundation of professionalism, military effectiveness and the successful execution of the NDF’s constitutional mandate,” the ministry quoted the President as saying.
It added that she directed that challenges facing the Force should be addressed “through a holistic and coordinated approach, anchored on clearly defined priorities to guide the implementation of corrective measures.”
The ministry said the President concluded her tour at the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade in Windhoek, where she reminded soldiers of the significance of their responsibility to protect the country’s central region, including the capital city and key national installations.
“I believe we all know that the 21 Infantry Brigade is the formation of the Namibian Defence Force which is entrusted with the responsibility to protect the Central Region of Namibia, including Windhoek, the capital city, key institutions and national installations,” she further stated.
“Therefore, this responsibility demands the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, vigilance and unwavering loyalty to the Republic of Namibia and its people.”
During the visit, line minister Frans Kapofi welcomed the President and outlined the ministry’s role in safeguarding Namibia’s national security, while executive director Annely Haiphene briefed the delegation on the ministry’s structure, the August 26 Holding Company, and budgetary constraints.
Chief of the Defence Force Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas also briefed the President on the Defence Force’s constitutional mandate, organisational structure, ongoing activities, future plans, and operational challenges, reaffirming the military’s readiness to fulfil its responsibilities despite existing constraints.
The ministry said Pinehas also reiterated the Defence Force’s commitment to strengthening discipline and addressing substance abuse throughout the Force.
“Your Excellency, this level of commitment to national duty demonstrates the character of a leader who truly cares for the welfare of the Force, and as a Defence Force, we are honoured to have you as our Commander-in-Chief,” the ministry quoted Pinehas as saying.
The ministry described the visit as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to maintaining “a professional, disciplined and combat-ready Force” and strengthening the relationship between the Commander-in-Chief and members of the Namibian Defence Force.
