Netumbo's growing frustration with ministers who bunk events
Private sector urged to report application delays directly to president
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has publicly expressed frustration with her Cabinet's absenteeism at important events as well as their inertia and lack of urgency.
Speaking during the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum in Windhoek last week, the president said she was “very disappointed” by the absence of several ministers from the two-day gathering, which was meant to strengthen cooperation between government and the private sector.
“I am disappointed that I cannot see many ministers here. Very much disappointed. It is hard for me too if the private sector is tired or frustrated by civil servants,” she said, her tone reflecting both fatigue and exasperation.
Her comments, made on Thursday – two days before she fired former industries minister and deputy prime minister Natangwe Ithete – now appear to foreshadow her growing impatience with a Cabinet she feels is not keeping pace with her or her vision.
Although Nandi-Ndaitwah has spoken about the need for discipline and delivery, her words at the forum were unusually candid.
Micromanaging
The president acknowledged that corruption and inefficiency are stalling progress, describing graft as “two-way traffic” between civil servants and businesses.
“I don’t know how many of you have given under the table to get service. I don’t like it. People must be known and be put to task. I will be accused of micromanaging, but what can I do? I want things to be done,” she told delegates.
She urged the private sector to report delays in processing applications and hinted that she was prepared to intervene personally.
“Tell me when you applied and how long it has taken. I will call the minister and say, ‘Tell the officer to give me facts,’” she said.
The president’s remarks painted a picture of a leader increasingly frustrated with red tape, lack of coordination and what she sees as complacency within government.
“I am ready for the government under my leadership to accommodate one another. I want this economy to thrive,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also cautioned against blanket demands for incentives, urging business leaders to “mention and cost them” to avoid draining the national budget.
“If I remove certain taxes, will I be able to reach April with the budget I have?” she asked.
Self-inflicted challenges
Her comments resonated with Dr Nangula Uaandja, chairperson of the Namibia Public-Private Forum Coordinating Committee and CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Uaandja said the forum marked a turning point for Namibia’s development dialogue, describing the country’s economic challenges as “largely self-inflicted.”
“Namibia has all the ingredients for prosperity – what we lack is the recipe,” Uaandja said. “If we come together, we can solve our socio-economic challenges. Sometimes, yes, we need to micromanage to get things done.”
She highlighted five structural barriers hampering progress: limited market access, outdated regulations, obsolete policies, restrictive immigration systems and inadequate public-sector skills.
“We can produce all we want, but without access to markets, locally and internationally, there is no progress,” she warned.
“As regulators, we are supposed to be enablers, but too often we act as gatekeepers. We are still guided by policies from 1947 – laws that are no longer fit for purpose.”
Uaandja also called for a more balanced approach to investor visas.
“We must protect Namibia's interests, yes, but we must also allow the right people in – those who bring investment, innovation and opportunity," she stressed, adding: "And above all, we must invest in soft skills across the public sector, because efficiency begins with mindset."
The will to modernise
Adding to the chorus of voices urging reform, O&L Group executive chairperson Sven Thieme stressed that discipline is essential for Namibia’s economic renewal.
“In this country, people sometimes see red traffic signs as suggestions instead of a stop. Non-performing officials need to be held accountable. I have a special shoe, with nails included – if someone doesn’t perform, we can put it on,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Thieme said strong discipline is the foundation of a thriving economy, but added that Namibia must also be willing to modernise outdated systems and thinking.
“In the 1970s, cars had speed limits set for that era. Now vehicles are more advanced, yet we still drive with a 120 km per hour limit. That needs to change,” he said, using the analogy to urge regulatory reform.
He also proposed a national fish-processing hub to help Namibia add value to its resources and create jobs.
By the end of the forum, Nandi-Ndaitwah appeared momentarily reassured.
“From here I am going to sleep because I have seen Namibians speaking the same language,” she said.
But by Sunday, that tone had changed. Ithete – often at her side during public events – was out of government, dismissed without explanation.
Speaking during the inaugural Namibia Public-Private Forum in Windhoek last week, the president said she was “very disappointed” by the absence of several ministers from the two-day gathering, which was meant to strengthen cooperation between government and the private sector.
“I am disappointed that I cannot see many ministers here. Very much disappointed. It is hard for me too if the private sector is tired or frustrated by civil servants,” she said, her tone reflecting both fatigue and exasperation.
Her comments, made on Thursday – two days before she fired former industries minister and deputy prime minister Natangwe Ithete – now appear to foreshadow her growing impatience with a Cabinet she feels is not keeping pace with her or her vision.
Although Nandi-Ndaitwah has spoken about the need for discipline and delivery, her words at the forum were unusually candid.
Micromanaging
The president acknowledged that corruption and inefficiency are stalling progress, describing graft as “two-way traffic” between civil servants and businesses.
“I don’t know how many of you have given under the table to get service. I don’t like it. People must be known and be put to task. I will be accused of micromanaging, but what can I do? I want things to be done,” she told delegates.
She urged the private sector to report delays in processing applications and hinted that she was prepared to intervene personally.
“Tell me when you applied and how long it has taken. I will call the minister and say, ‘Tell the officer to give me facts,’” she said.
The president’s remarks painted a picture of a leader increasingly frustrated with red tape, lack of coordination and what she sees as complacency within government.
“I am ready for the government under my leadership to accommodate one another. I want this economy to thrive,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also cautioned against blanket demands for incentives, urging business leaders to “mention and cost them” to avoid draining the national budget.
“If I remove certain taxes, will I be able to reach April with the budget I have?” she asked.
Self-inflicted challenges
Her comments resonated with Dr Nangula Uaandja, chairperson of the Namibia Public-Private Forum Coordinating Committee and CEO of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Uaandja said the forum marked a turning point for Namibia’s development dialogue, describing the country’s economic challenges as “largely self-inflicted.”
“Namibia has all the ingredients for prosperity – what we lack is the recipe,” Uaandja said. “If we come together, we can solve our socio-economic challenges. Sometimes, yes, we need to micromanage to get things done.”
She highlighted five structural barriers hampering progress: limited market access, outdated regulations, obsolete policies, restrictive immigration systems and inadequate public-sector skills.
“We can produce all we want, but without access to markets, locally and internationally, there is no progress,” she warned.
“As regulators, we are supposed to be enablers, but too often we act as gatekeepers. We are still guided by policies from 1947 – laws that are no longer fit for purpose.”
Uaandja also called for a more balanced approach to investor visas.
“We must protect Namibia's interests, yes, but we must also allow the right people in – those who bring investment, innovation and opportunity," she stressed, adding: "And above all, we must invest in soft skills across the public sector, because efficiency begins with mindset."
The will to modernise
Adding to the chorus of voices urging reform, O&L Group executive chairperson Sven Thieme stressed that discipline is essential for Namibia’s economic renewal.
“In this country, people sometimes see red traffic signs as suggestions instead of a stop. Non-performing officials need to be held accountable. I have a special shoe, with nails included – if someone doesn’t perform, we can put it on,” he said, drawing laughter from the audience.
Thieme said strong discipline is the foundation of a thriving economy, but added that Namibia must also be willing to modernise outdated systems and thinking.
“In the 1970s, cars had speed limits set for that era. Now vehicles are more advanced, yet we still drive with a 120 km per hour limit. That needs to change,” he said, using the analogy to urge regulatory reform.
He also proposed a national fish-processing hub to help Namibia add value to its resources and create jobs.
By the end of the forum, Nandi-Ndaitwah appeared momentarily reassured.
“From here I am going to sleep because I have seen Namibians speaking the same language,” she said.
But by Sunday, that tone had changed. Ithete – often at her side during public events – was out of government, dismissed without explanation.
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