Africa-Press – Namibia. Staff Reporter
THE partnership between Political Heads and Executive Directors is indispensable to effective public service delivery, said President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House today on the occasion of the last Cabinet meeting of the year.
She emphasised the need to align political direction with administrative professionalism, thereby creating a unified system capable of driving progress at the pace the people expect.
Photos: Namibian Presidency
Her speech follows in full:
“It seems just like yesterday when you stood before the nation to take your oath as Cabinet Ministers. Yet nine months have already passed. That reminds us how quickly time moves when we are entrusted with great responsibility. This pace is a powerful reminder that in leadership, every hour must be used wisely, every action must carry purpose, and every decision must honour the people we serve.
In 2025, the 8th Administration advanced the SWAPO Party Manifesto 2025 to 2030. During the process of time, tangible progress across the seven priority areas has been strengthened with eight enablers fully aligned with NDP6.
Through your leadership, we worked towards economic growth and contributed to creating more jobs, improving food security, investing in education, skills, health, and innovation. We have strengthened governance and public finance, empowered young people, expanded digital and industrial infrastructure, and extended social protection aimed at ensuring that every community shares in Namibia’s prosperity.
I wish to express my profound gratitude and appreciation as most of you are serving in those portfolios for the first time. Despite this, you have embraced the demands of your roles with humility, discipline, and a willingness to learn.
You have demonstrated the spirit of teamwork, the courage to seek counsel when uncertain, and the understanding that governing in silos weakens our collective impact. As the Greek philosopher Socrates says, “any person who knows, knows he knows nothing at all”. This wisdom reminds us that leadership is a learning curve that begins with openness, curiosity, and shared responsibility.
As we conclude our Cabinet calendar for the year, let us reflect on the targets we set and the commitments we undertook. Even as you take a well-deserved break, the work of listening to the people we serve continues. Wherever you go, take a moment to engage with Namibians from all walks of life and observe their daily realities. Their insights will guide our efforts as we plan for a faster and more focused acceleration of implementation next year.
Honourable Members,
The recently concluded Cabinet Retreat, under the theme “Enhancing Policy Coordination, Governance, and Service Delivery for Accelerated National Development”, reaffirmed our commitment to building a state machinery that delivers with coherence and urgency.
One of the key discussions focused on the relationship between Political Heads and Executive Directors. This partnership is indispensable to effective public service delivery and is guided by the separation of roles under Articles 40 and 41 of the Constitution. Respecting these constitutional boundaries strengthens accountability and ensures that each officeholder operates within a defined framework while complementing one another in advancing national priorities.
Effective policy coordination remains central to achieving our developmental ambitions. When political direction is aligned with administrative professionalism, we create a unified system capable of driving progress at the pace our people expect. Let us continue to uphold merit, professionalism, ethical conduct, and a working environment anchored in trust and constant communication.
The recent overwhelming victory of the SWAPO Party in the Regional and Local Authority Elections strengthens this alignment across all levels of government. It is a mandate that reinforces our shared developmental vision and provides renewed momentum for the full implementation of NDP6. With this unity of purpose, there is no excuse for us not to succeed. Our charge is clear. Our responsibilities are defined. The people have entrusted us with both confidence and expectation, and we must deliver accordingly and without failure.
Monitoring and Evaluation was another critical focus area. Impactful governance requires disciplined tracking of progress, early detection of delays, and the ability to adjust course where needed. Strengthening these systems is essential for accelerating implementation under NDP6 and ensuring that the promises of the SWAPO Party Manifesto are delivered within the prescribed timelines. I direct the institutions responsible for establishing or upgrading their Monitoring and Evaluation Units to complete this work in the first quarter of 2026.
We must also underscore the importance and the need to streamline procurement systems and ensure that legislation supports efficiency, transparency, and timely service delivery. The progress made in resolving the medication procurement bottleneck shows that with proper coordination and discipline, long-standing challenges can indeed be corrected.
Honourable Members of Cabinet,
This Cabinet has demonstrated unity, clarity, and collective resolve. It is this spirit that gives me confidence that the decisions we take in Cabinet and in the Retreat will translate into outcomes that uplift communities, stimulate economic activity, and strengthen public trust in government.
As we enter the new year, I expect deeper coordination between central, regional, and local authorities so that service delivery becomes coherent and seamless for the Namibian people. The acceleration of implementation must produce measurable results that unlock investment, drive job creation, support industrialisation, and sustain inclusive growth. We should modernise public service delivery with efficient digital systems, strengthen youth development, and ensure that young Namibians and women participate meaningfully in both the economy and civic life.
Next year will demand even greater focus, discipline, and unity of purpose. I have full confidence that together we will implement more impactful programmes that advance sustained economic growth and development and create new opportunities for our people.
As we look ahead, I also want to remind each one of you that leadership is both a national duty and a personal journey. The year has been demanding, and your families have carried their share of the responsibility by supporting you throughout this period.
As you take a well-deserved break, spend meaningful time with your loved ones, reconnect, and rest. Rejuvenation is not a sign of slowing down. It is time to recuperate and prepare for the work that lies ahead.
Wherever your travels may take you during this festive period, if you pass by a capital project on the ground, take a moment to stop and assess the progress. True leadership is found in presence, humility, and the willingness to engage directly with the work that shapes our people’s lives. No duty is too small when it contributes to the betterment of our country.
It is now time that I thank you for your dedication, your constructive contributions, and the humility with which you have demonstrated your national responsibilities. I equally urge you to come back with more energy and do the same next year. I also extend my deep appreciation to the Secretary to the Cabinet and the Cabinet Secretariat for their professionalism and timely preparation of our documents.
As we conclude the Cabinet calendar for this year, I wish you and your families a joyful festive season, peaceful rest, and safe travel to your destinations. May you return renewed in strength, clarity, and purpose as we continue our national service to the people of Namibia.”
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