Allexer Namundjembo
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader and member of parliament McHenry Venaani says President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has the constitutional authority to hire and dismiss senior officials without necessarily giving public explanations.
Venaani made the remarks while responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday following the suspension of Joseph Shikongo as inspector general of the Namibian Police Force.
“The President has the prerogative to fire and to hire at will without explaining herself,” Venaani said.
He said critics calling for explanations may not fully understand the sensitive information available to the head of state.
“A leader takes key decisions to avert certain disasters that might occur had she not acted,” he said.
Venaani also questioned why similar scrutiny was not directed at previous male presidents.
Nandi-Ndaitwah announced on Tuesday that major general Anne-Marie Nainda would take over as acting inspector general.
The Presidency did not provide details on Shikongo’s suspension.
The Windhoek Observer understands that the 12-month suspension followed a security breach at State House last Thursday, where a naked man allegedly bypassed security and entered the premises.
There has also been speculation about tensions between Shikongo and Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Shikongo is the second senior official removed from office since Nandi-Ndaitwah became President last year. The Presidency has not publicly explained either decision.
Meanwhile, Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader Job Amupanda questioned whether the proper constitutional process was followed before Shikongo’s suspension.
“Firstly, the inspector general of the Namibian Police is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Security Commission, as provided for by Article 32(4)(c). The President can only suspend the inspector general after consulting the Security Commission, as provided for in Section 4(1) of the Security Commission Act,” he said.
Amupanda argued that the current composition of the Security Commission may be improper due to parliament’s failure to appoint two National Assembly members.
He warned that decisions taken without a properly constituted commission could be legally challenged.
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) member of parliament Eneas Emvula has the same sentiments as Venaani – that the President has powers under the Constitution to act when circumstances require it.
However, he said that legal procedures must still be followed.
“Permanently or on an acting basis, the same provision applies. But was the commission accorded a chance to recommend the suspension of Shikongo?” Emvula asked.
He also said the President’s actions should be accompanied by some level of explanation to avoid alienating supporters and creating perceptions of autocratic leadership.
“The opposition remains stubbornly unconvinced that the president’s autocratic actions are representative of the unity she constantly preaches. Very unfortunate,” Emvula said.
Asoli Progressive Party’s president Joseph Kauandenge also criticised Nandi-Ndaitwah’s silence.
“The President is becoming notorious for firing high-ranking officials without proper explanation, hiding behind the mantra of constitutional prerogative,” Kauandenge said.
He warned that repeated removals without public explanations could undermine accountability and democratic principles.
The Presidency has not yet released detailed reasons for Shikongo’s suspension.
Shikongo was first appointed inspector general by the late president Hage Geingob in August 2022 and assumed office in September that year.
He was reappointed for a second term, which runs from October 2024 to September 2027.
Youth advisor Matheus Hangula said while the Nandi-Ndaitwah has the authority to dismiss senior officials, there must be valid reasons and transparency to ensure accountability.
He questioned the legality of a 12-month suspension without disciplinary proceedings.
“When Shikongo got suspended, he should have been subjected to a disciplinary hearing. Pre-determining his fate raises serious concerns,” he said.
Hangula warned that decisions taken without public engagement could weaken confidence in institutions and governance.
