Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Chief of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF), Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas, has commended members of the Defence Force for their dedication and service during 2025, while urging greater discipline and professionalism as the Force prepares for 2026.
In his Christmas and New Year message to members of the NDF, Air Marshal Pinehas reflected on the achievements and challenges of the past year, describing 2025 as a period marked by transformation, regional security pressures and national mourning following the death of Namibia’s Founding President and first Commander-in-Chief, Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, on 8 February 2025.
He also highlighted the historic inauguration of Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female President and fifth Commander-in-Chief of the NDF, noting that the year would be remembered as a significant milestone in the country’s history.
The NDF chief said the Defence Force recorded notable operational and training achievements across all services. These included fitness and combat readiness exercises by the Army, regional and maritime security operations by the Air Force and Navy, and specialised training hosted by the Namibian Special Forces. He added that the Defence Force continued to prioritise education and training to close capability gaps and enhance mission readiness.
Air Marshal Pinehas cited milestones at the Namibia Command and Staff College, including the successful completion of the Senior Command and Staff Course with allied officers from Zambia, Kenya and Botswana, as well as ongoing junior staff training. He also noted continued recruitment and career development programmes aimed at strengthening human capital within the Force.
The NDF chief further praised the Defence Force for its role in national duties, including the conduct of state funerals for Dr Nujoma and former NDF chief Lieutenant General Dumeni Solomon Hawala, as well as assistance to civil authorities through anti-poaching operations, disaster response to floods and firefighting efforts in Etosha National Park.
On the international front, he said the NDF remained committed to peace and security through deployments to United Nations and African Union missions in the Abyei region and South Sudan, as well as through defence diplomacy, bilateral cooperation and regional security engagements within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
However, Air Marshal Pinehas expressed concern over declining discipline within the ranks, warning against criminal behaviour, substance abuse and security breaches. He said incidents involving serious offences, including violent crime, gender-based violence, and the leaking of classified information, undermined the image and professionalism of the Defence Force.
He urged commanders and members alike to uphold the highest standards of conduct, discipline and integrity, stressing that the success of the military depended on the contribution and behaviour of every soldier.
The NDF chief also encouraged participation in sports and physical activities, noting their role in promoting fitness, cohesion and combat readiness, and commended NDF teams for their achievements at national and regional level.
Concluding his message, Air Marshal Pinehas paid tribute to fallen leaders, heroes and members of the Defence Force, called on personnel to remain security conscious during the festive season, and reminded units to maintain adequate staffing levels. He wished all members of the NDF and their families a safe festive season and a prosperous New Year 2026.
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