‘Saam bereik ons meer’

Leadership Emphasises Integration‘Together We Achieve More’By Augetto Graig“We look forward to a future where education remains the top priority and where every child has the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to shine.” These words were delivered by Isheanesu Teta, head boy of Grade 7E at Eros Primary School, as he opened Wednesday’s official gathering with a spirited welcome speech.The event, held in the school’s hall on 2 April 2025, welcomed officials from Namibia’s largest and newly expanded Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts, and Culture.Minister Sanet Steenkamp addressed the assembly, highlighting that her ministry’s N$26.1 billion budget – the largest of all ministries – and its responsibility for four of the government’s seven top priorities demand deliberate focus, teamwork, and innovation.President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to consolidate the portfolios under one ministry, Steenkamp said, creates the opportunity to build a synergistic, agile, and distinct entity. “You must help me deliver on this mandate, with greater impact. Impact is all I want to see,” she said. “Our efforts must be harmonised to maximise our resources and strengths for the benefit of every single Namibian.”Steenkamp echoed the words of her deputy executive director for schools, Edda Bohn: “TEAM stands for Together Each Achieves More.” She encouraged her team to embrace integration with openness and purpose: “As we merge, I want us to embrace the best in each other.”Previously, the youth, sport, and innovation portfolios were scattered across separate ministries. Now unified, the minister made it clear she will not tolerate siloed thinking or complacency. “We don’t have time for professional jealousy, negativity, resistance, or rigidity. We only have five years, and three months are already gone. There’s no time to say ‘I’m still getting comfortable.’ Run, please, and run fast,” she urged.Steenkamp stressed the importance of adaptive leadership and urged her team to live the ministry’s new motto: “Foundation first, excellence always!”Deputy Minister Dino Ballotti expanded on the ministry’s development responsibilities, which include sport, youth empowerment, quality education, and the growth of the creative sector – all commitments outlined in the Swapo party’s election manifesto. Ballotti reinforced the day’s inspirational tone by quoting Pastor Timotheus Mutambo: “You were born for a time such as this.”Reflecting on his own journey as a football coach, teacher, small business promoter, and entrepreneurship expert, Ballotti said, “Now, more than ever, my calling and purpose is to serve.”Executive Director Gerard Norman Vries reminded the gathering of their civic duty: “How can I make life better for my community?” he asked. He encouraged the cultivation of mutual respect and collective progress, while accounting officer Mbumba Haitengala emphasised that Namibia’s most valuable resource is its young people.“This ministry is the foundation of Namibia’s human capital, innovation, and social wellbeing,” Haitengala said. He underscored the need for internal collaboration and integrated operations, especially as expectations grow to prioritise education, expand youth economic participation, increase investment in sport, and elevate the creative arts.Eros Primary School principal and event host, Poppy Hamata, brought the gathering to a close on a hopeful note: “We bring a new sound dedicated to unity and entrusted with sincere responsibility. With professionalism, inclusivity, and integrity, we will show that education is the foundation of progress.”

‘Saam bereik ons meer’

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-04

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‘Saam bereik ons meer’

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Namibian Sun 2025-11-04

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