Nekundi denies ambitions to replace prime minister
Minister blames speculation on 2027 congress
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has firmly denied allegations that he harbours ambitions to replace Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, dismissing the claims as political manoeuvring ahead of the Swapo elective congress in 2027.
Nekundi was responding to media queries on the sidelines of a management engagement in Windhoek yesterday, amid growing public debate — particularly on social media — suggesting that he was positioning himself for the premiership and working to oust Ngurare.
The allegations have angered sections of Swapo’s membership, who argue that any such efforts would amount to questioning the judgment of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in appointing Ngurare as head of government.
In several audio messages circulating from the Kavango regions, where the prime minister hails from, some residents have expressed concern that Ngurare is being targeted on ethnic grounds.
Nekundi said speculation surrounding his name has been fuelled by his increased media visibility and a hands-on leadership style that has earned public approval in some quarters. However, he rejected claims that he is engaged in political plotting, insisting his focus remains squarely on service delivery.
“These are rumours,” Nekundi said. “People believe that I want to become prime minister or Swapo Party secretary general, but nothing of that nature exists. The prime minister and I have never discussed positions for congress. We have not spoken about such things, and I do not know where these stories are coming from.”
He emphasised his close working relationship with Ngurare, noting that all major decisions within his portfolio are discussed with the prime minister.
“There is nothing I do without consulting the prime minister,” Nekundi said. “He is my first point of contact. Any action I take, I seek his guidance and his blessing. That is how we work.”
He cited joint interventions to address road infrastructure challenges in Kavango East and other departmental matters as evidence of cooperation, stressing that such efforts reflect collective responsibility rather than rivalry.
Nekundi said his public conduct is guided by respect for the office of the prime minister and its leadership.
“Even today, I am ready to meet him at any time. I remain on standby because I respect his role. Otherwise, I would not be in this position,” he said.
The minister concluded by reiterating that the rumours are politically motivated distractions.
“These stories are meant to divide us. My focus is Namibia. Both the prime minister and I are doing our jobs in the best interests of the country. My loyalty is clear, and my priority is service — not personal ambition.”
‘I work because I must’
Nekundi attributed the speculation to internal political interests seeking to sow division ahead of the ruling party’s elective congress next year, cautioning that his work ethic should not be mistaken for personal ambition.
“I do not work to impress anyone. I work because I must,” he said. “Whether it is private work or public work, I do it because it must be done for the people of Namibia. That is who I am.”
Reflecting on his background, Nekundi said his approach to work was shaped long before he entered government.
“Even people who knew me back in the village will tell you that you could find me walking in the fields at midnight. That is my work ethic. It has always been about doing the work, not showing off,” he said.
He added that former classmates, long-time friends and colleagues within government structures could attest to his commitment.
“When I am given a task, I approach it with seriousness. This is nothing new,” he said.
Nekundi was responding to media queries on the sidelines of a management engagement in Windhoek yesterday, amid growing public debate — particularly on social media — suggesting that he was positioning himself for the premiership and working to oust Ngurare.
The allegations have angered sections of Swapo’s membership, who argue that any such efforts would amount to questioning the judgment of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah in appointing Ngurare as head of government.
In several audio messages circulating from the Kavango regions, where the prime minister hails from, some residents have expressed concern that Ngurare is being targeted on ethnic grounds.
Nekundi said speculation surrounding his name has been fuelled by his increased media visibility and a hands-on leadership style that has earned public approval in some quarters. However, he rejected claims that he is engaged in political plotting, insisting his focus remains squarely on service delivery.
“These are rumours,” Nekundi said. “People believe that I want to become prime minister or Swapo Party secretary general, but nothing of that nature exists. The prime minister and I have never discussed positions for congress. We have not spoken about such things, and I do not know where these stories are coming from.”
He emphasised his close working relationship with Ngurare, noting that all major decisions within his portfolio are discussed with the prime minister.
“There is nothing I do without consulting the prime minister,” Nekundi said. “He is my first point of contact. Any action I take, I seek his guidance and his blessing. That is how we work.”
He cited joint interventions to address road infrastructure challenges in Kavango East and other departmental matters as evidence of cooperation, stressing that such efforts reflect collective responsibility rather than rivalry.
Nekundi said his public conduct is guided by respect for the office of the prime minister and its leadership.
“Even today, I am ready to meet him at any time. I remain on standby because I respect his role. Otherwise, I would not be in this position,” he said.
The minister concluded by reiterating that the rumours are politically motivated distractions.
“These stories are meant to divide us. My focus is Namibia. Both the prime minister and I are doing our jobs in the best interests of the country. My loyalty is clear, and my priority is service — not personal ambition.”
‘I work because I must’
Nekundi attributed the speculation to internal political interests seeking to sow division ahead of the ruling party’s elective congress next year, cautioning that his work ethic should not be mistaken for personal ambition.
“I do not work to impress anyone. I work because I must,” he said. “Whether it is private work or public work, I do it because it must be done for the people of Namibia. That is who I am.”
Reflecting on his background, Nekundi said his approach to work was shaped long before he entered government.
“Even people who knew me back in the village will tell you that you could find me walking in the fields at midnight. That is my work ethic. It has always been about doing the work, not showing off,” he said.
He added that former classmates, long-time friends and colleagues within government structures could attest to his commitment.
“When I am given a task, I approach it with seriousness. This is nothing new,” he said.
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