Life continues, say discarded governors

The three former regional governors of Kavango East, Oshikoto and Khomas – who were replaced by their successors on Friday – say they have accepted their fate and respect President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s prerogative to appoint new governors.Bonifatius Wakudumo (Kavango East), Penda Ya Ndakolo (Oshikoto) and Laura McLeod-Katjirua (Khomas) were replaced by Hamunyera Hambyuka, Sacky Kathindi and Sam Nujoma Jr, respectively.The outgoing governors confirmed that they were informed in advance that their contracts would not be renewed under the new administration.“Prior to the announcement about the new appointments, I was contacted by the Presidency and informed that a new governor would be appointed for Kavango East Region,” Wakudumo told Namibian Sun this week. Each of the former governors has different plans for the future. One intends to focus on farming, another plans to return home, while the third wishes to step away from the public eye after years of service.Time to restSpeaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, Ya Ndakolo said he has no desire to be reappointed after more than 30 years in government and added that he believes it is time for a new generation to take over.“I joined PLAN [Swapo’s military wing during the liberation struggle] when I was about 10 years old, and it was not easy. But I want to thank God and the Namibian people for giving me the opportunity to serve,” he said.“I am not expecting any further appointments, as I believe I have played my part. If needed, I will provide guidance where necessary, but I would like to step away from the media and the spotlight,” he noted. Ya Ndakolo, who served for 18 years as a constituency councillor, 10 years as a governor and five years as defence minister, said one of his proudest achievements was advocating for Omuthiya to become the capital of Oshikoto.“I argued that Tsumeb was too far. We needed a town in the middle, and today, Omuthiya stands as a testament to that vision, backed by Namibians and the Cabinet,” he said.He has been replaced by businessman and Swapo member Sacky Kathindi.Proud achievements Outgoing Khomas governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua, who had served since 2000, said her time in office has come to an end and that she plans to return home.“I’m happy I was given the opportunity. I served, but now I think I’m going home. I must appreciate my appointing authorities for trusting me repeatedly. I truly committed myself to my duties,” she told Namibian Sun.She has been succeeded by Sam Nujoma Jr, former chairman of the Windhoek City Council’s management committee.Kavango East’s outgoing governor, Bonifatius Wakudumo, said he will now focus on his farming business, a passion that predates his tenure in government.“When your term ends, it ends. Before my appointment, I was deeply involved in farming, business, construction and industry. Life continues with other responsibilities that contribute to the region’s social and economic development. Farming, both crops and livestock, will always be a part of me,” he said.Speaking at the handover ceremony of his successor, former chief whip Hamunyera Hambyuka, Wakudumo noted that over the past five years, the Kavango East Region had made significant progress in improving education.“We have built new schools and increased enrolment, but challenges remain, especially in rural areas where learners are still taught in makeshift classrooms,” he said.“We upgraded health facilities, recruited skilled professionals and launched awareness campaigns on vaccination, maternal health and nutrition. Our goal was to ensure community well-being and prevent disease outbreaks,” he added.Hard work neededAs per Article 132 of the Namibian Constitution, regional governors are appointed by the president to promote development, enhance service delivery and represent state interests at the regional level.The newly appointed governors include Verna Sinimbo, governor of Kavango West (former deputy minister of industrialisation and trade); former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) parliamentarian-turned-Swapo member Vipuakuje Muharukua as governor of Kunene; John Julius //Khmuseb as governor of Otjozondjupa; and Riaan Charles McNab as governor of Hardap.At the appointment ceremony, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah urged the new governors to work hard to carry out the mandate entrusted to them by the Namibian people through Swapo’s election manifesto.“We committed to tackling high unemployment, particularly among the youth, as it threatens social progress, national cohesion, and prosperity. We also pledged to address the housing backlog, disparities in basic services, and the challenges posed by informal settlements. Climate change is another pressing issue, affecting livelihoods through droughts, water scarcity, excessive rains and soil erosion, which in turn impact food security,” she said.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Life continues, say discarded governors

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Life continues, say discarded governors

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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