Africa-Press – Namibia. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged opposition parties to work with the government to fast-track key national laws and deliver on government promises.
She told opposition parties that Namibia cannot afford political divisions or legislative delays.
This message dominated two separate courtesy calls she hosted yesterday at State House with the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO), where she opened the doors of cooperation wider than ever before.
She invited her political opponents to help shape urgent laws and hold government accountable in the interest of all citizens.
Reflecting on her first State of the nation address, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said she listened carefully to the frustrations raised by citizens and lawmakers about outdated laws, rigid policies and obstacles that slow down service delivery.
Instead of defending the status quo, she chose openness.
She outlined four priority laws that require urgent attention – the Land Bill, the Investment Bill, the Petroleum Act amendment and changes to the Public Enterprise Governance Act.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said these laws are needed to unlock development, attract investment and clarify administrative responsibilities.
“I told the nation to come and tell us exactly which laws are holding you back, where they must be amended and how you want them to change. People responded very well, because they were finally being heard,” she recalled.
The President emphasised that engagement does not mean every suggestion will automatically be accepted, but it does mean government will give reasons when certain proposals cannot be adopted.
“There must be explanation. That is accountability,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed that the Ministry of Justice and Labour is already organising the input received.
Soon, Parliament will start receiving the bills. When that happens, lawmakers must treat them with urgency.
The Public Enterprise Governance Act also needs reform. After scrapping the Ministry of Public Enterprises and returning parastatals to their line ministries, the current law no longer matches the new structure.
“Right now, the Act is still governing everything, and it is creating administrative problems. We must change it so it becomes efficient,” she said. Her first meeting was with the NDP delegation. “This consultation with the sitting President is important not only for NDP, but for the Namibian people, Africa and the world,” said NDP president Lukato Lukato.
He praised Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership and said opposition cannot be left out when building the country. “She cannot lead alone without the assistance of opposition parties. Our goal is to develop Namibia and take care of issues affecting the people,” he said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the NDP delegation warmly, reminding them that this engagement fulfils her promise of dialogue.
She stressed that Parliament must speed up consideration of urgent bills to avoid delaying service to the nation.
“We really need the cooperation of Members of Parliament. There are urgent bills coming, such as the amendment on public enterprises and the land bill. We want them finalised so that we can start working. Otherwise, we will not meet the promises we made to the people,” she said.
She explained that following the restructuring of ministries, certain laws must be amended to make institutions operational and improve service delivery.
Lukato and his delegation commended the President’s leadership and pledged their support. Later, meeting with NUDO, the President once again emphasised the separation of powers and the importance of cooperation between the Executive and Legislature.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted that Parliament must play its role by legislating in a timely manner, while the Executive will execute and the Judiciary will interpret laws.
On land, she acknowledged the issue is complex and has been debated for years.
“We will never get everything correct at once, but that does not mean everything is wrong. If we pass the laws, we can amend them as we learn. What matters is that we start implementing to benefit the people,” she said.
The President stressed that the Petroleum Act must move quickly because oil and gas now fall under the Office of the President.
“Yes, I have constitutional powers – but in a country like Namibia, if someone is not happy, they will take you to court and ask, where is the law? That is why this law is urgent,” she said.
NUDO’s leadership welcomed the engagement and thanked the President for making time. NUDO vice president Peter Kazongominja said the meeting fulfilled a long-awaited opportunity for opposition parties to contribute meaningfully before being expected to ask questions in Parliament.
“It is better to engage first, see how best things can be resolved, and then we can demand accountability. If things go well, it is for all Namibians. If things don’t go well, it also affects all Namibians,” he said.
He stressed that opposition parties are not there to make governing difficult, but to support progress. “Our intention is to collaborate, consult and listen. Let us assist the President to steer the ship,” he said.
Beyond the laws, the President laid out her seven priority areas: agriculture, sports, education, creative industries, housing, land and sanitation – powered by key enablers such as mining, water, energy, tourism, logistics, fisheries and infrastructure.
At the centre of all of this, the President said, are young people.
“Everything we do is around our youth,” she explained, responding to questions about why she prioritised the Youth Fund.
“I promised young people we are going to sit down and start with this one. When I make a promise, I act,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
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