Time running out on NDP6 delivery, president warns

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has pressed government to urgently deliver on its commitments, saying the window for tangible progress under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) is closing fast.

“Every day, every hour and every decision must count. We must utilise time prudently and decisively in pursuit of results-based, effective service delivery by implementing all our decisions," the president said yesterday.

Her comments come days after Namibian Sun reported that government had missed a Swapo manifesto deadline to complete and hand over all unfinished houses under the Mass Housing Development Programme (MHDP) by December 2025.

The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has since confirmed that the pledge was not met, citing legal, technical and planning challenges.

Opening the first Cabinet session of the year on Monday, Nandi-Ndaitwah called on ministers to recommit to accelerated implementation of NDP6 and to ensure clear, measurable progress across its four pillars.

“At the same time, we must remind ourselves that there are only four years remaining of the five-year mandate entrusted to the eighth administration to advance and realise Vision 2030," she said, adding: "Time is therefore not on our side."

Nandi-Ndaitwah added that 2026 requires renewed discipline, focus and unity of purpose from government.

“We need to recommit ourselves to speeding up the implementation of the NDP6 and ensuring clear, measurable progress across its four pillars. The expectations our people have placed on this government and Cabinet are high, and rightly so."

“The responsibility rests squarely on our shoulders to ensure that every Namibian is cared for and that each citizen is allowed to live a dignified and meaningful life.”

Uphold Namibian principles

The president said Cabinet resumes its work at a time of growing global uncertainty, marked by geopolitical shifts, economic instability and conflict.

“Around the world, we see shifting alliances, economic instability, conflicts and the selective enforcement of global standards."

She warned that decisions affecting sovereign nations are increasingly being taken outside established multilateral frameworks.

She stressed that Namibia’s foreign policy position remains firm.

“We must uphold our principles. We believe in the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, equality among countries, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

Clear roadmap

Meanwhile, National Council chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha, speaking at the first orientation seminar for members of the seventh National Council, said the institution’s strategic plan for 2023/24–2027/28 serves as its roadmap for institutional excellence and national impact.

He said the plan aligns with Vision 2030, national development plans and the Harambee Prosperity Plan and is designed to keep the National Council responsive and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Muha emphasised that capacity building remains critical, particularly given the high turnover of members.

“Capacity building is not a one-time event but a continuous process of learning, adaptation and professional development,” he said.

He underlined that ongoing training is essential to ensure members effectively scrutinise legislation and fulfil their constitutional mandate.

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