Four EDs stripped of accounting officer status in major reshuffle

In a major government reshuffle announced late yesterday, four executive directors have been stripped of their accounting officer status. Cabinet stated that the move was necessary to enhance operational efficiency within the new administration.Esther Kaapanda, who previously served in the ministry of works and transport, has been reassigned to the ministry of industries, mines and energy. Ndiitah Nghipondoka-Robiati has been transferred from the ministry of gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare to the ministry of international relations and trade. Gerard Vries, formerly with the ministry of higher education, technology and innovation, has been moved to the ministry of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture. Meanwhile, Teofelus Nghitila has been reassigned from the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism to the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform.Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission, approved the transfer of 18 executive directors across various offices, ministries and agencies. Only Audrin Mathe, from the information and communication technology, and home affairs’ Etienne Maritz survived the reshuffle.According to a statement, the reshuffle aims to enhance government efficiency and takes effect immediately, in accordance with Section 5(1) and Section 23(2)(ii) of the Public Service Act, 1995.Gladice Pickering, formerly executive director of the justice ministry, has been reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister in the same capacity. Ben Nangombe, previously with the health and social services ministry, now serves as executive director in the industries, mines and energy ministry.Annely Haiphene, who served at the fisheries and marine resources ministry, has been moved to the defence and veterans affairs ministry, replacing Wilhelmine Shivute, who now takes up the role at the urban and rural development ministry for the remainder of her contract.Titus Ndove, formerly of the finance and public enterprises ministry, is now the executive director for the works and transport ministry. Lydia Indombo, previously with the labour, industrial relations and employment creation ministry, has been reassigned to the gender equality and child welfare ministry. Michael Humavindu, who was with the National Planning Commission, now serves as executive director in the finance ministry. Across the boardPenda Naanda, formerly with the international relations and cooperation ministry, has been moved to the international relations and trade ministry as executive director and accounting officer. Erastus Haitengela, previously in charge of the sport, youth and national service ministry, has been transferred to the education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture ministry. Sikongo Haihambo, who served in the industrialisation and trade ministry, has been transferred to the environment, forestry and tourism ministry. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, previously with the agriculture, water and land reform ministry, now serves in the newly restructured agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform ministry as executive director and accounting officer.Penda Ithindi, formerly with the mines and energy ministry, has transitioned to the health and social services ministry as executive director.Nghidinua Daniel, who was at the urban and rural development ministry, now takes up the role in the justice and labour relations ministry. I-Ben Nashandi, formerly in the Office of the Prime Minister, has been appointed as executive director of the National Planning Commission.In a statement issued yesterday, outgoing Secretary to Cabinet George Simataa explained that executive directors without accounting functions will support those who serve as accounting officers in fulfilling their respective mandates. These directors will report to the executive directors with accounting functions.He further noted: "Ministries not mentioned in the press statement remain unaffected by these changes."

Four EDs stripped of accounting officer status in major reshuffle

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-30

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Four EDs stripped of accounting officer status in major reshuffle

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Namibian Sun 2026-01-30

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