Nandi-Ndaitwah backs down, appoints Kapofi as acting mines minister
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has backed down from her earlier move to take direct charge of the Industries, Mines and Energy Ministry, appointing Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi to oversee the portfolio on an interim basis.
According to a statement issued by the State House yesterday, the appointment was made under Article 32(3)(i)(dd) of the Namibian Constitution, which empowers the President to assign or reassign ministerial functions to ensure the smooth operation of government.
Nandi-Ndaitwah had initially assumed responsibility for the ministry following the dismissal of deputy prime minister and mines minister Natangwe Ithete on 26 October.
Her decision to personally hold the position drew legal and political scrutiny, with critics arguing that the Constitution bars a sitting president from simultaneously serving as a minister.
The Presidency said the move to appoint Kapofi ensures “continued leadership and coordination within a ministry central to Namibia’s industrialisation, mining, and energy transformation agenda”, while a suitable full-time replacement is identified.
“The President reaffirmed that government work must proceed with discipline, urgency, and accountability,” the statement read, linking the appointment to the guiding principles of the 8th Administration and the priorities under NDP6.
State House described the decision as a demonstration of “stability, continuity, and constitutional governance,” adding that President Nandi-Ndaitwah has “full confidence” in Kapofi’s ability to lead the ministry with diligence and integrity.
The appointment marks a quick course correction for Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose assumption of the ministry portfolio had stirred debate over constitutional limits and centralisation of power.
According to a statement issued by the State House yesterday, the appointment was made under Article 32(3)(i)(dd) of the Namibian Constitution, which empowers the President to assign or reassign ministerial functions to ensure the smooth operation of government.
Nandi-Ndaitwah had initially assumed responsibility for the ministry following the dismissal of deputy prime minister and mines minister Natangwe Ithete on 26 October.
Her decision to personally hold the position drew legal and political scrutiny, with critics arguing that the Constitution bars a sitting president from simultaneously serving as a minister.
The Presidency said the move to appoint Kapofi ensures “continued leadership and coordination within a ministry central to Namibia’s industrialisation, mining, and energy transformation agenda”, while a suitable full-time replacement is identified.
“The President reaffirmed that government work must proceed with discipline, urgency, and accountability,” the statement read, linking the appointment to the guiding principles of the 8th Administration and the priorities under NDP6.
State House described the decision as a demonstration of “stability, continuity, and constitutional governance,” adding that President Nandi-Ndaitwah has “full confidence” in Kapofi’s ability to lead the ministry with diligence and integrity.
The appointment marks a quick course correction for Nandi-Ndaitwah, whose assumption of the ministry portfolio had stirred debate over constitutional limits and centralisation of power.
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Namibian Sun
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