Shifeta embraces ‘freedom’ after Cabinet omission

Former environment and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta has disclosed that he was not afforded the courtesy of prior notification regarding his exclusion from the newly formed Cabinet, while acknowledging that President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was under no obligation to inform him in advance.Shifeta views his departure from the executive branch as an opportunity to reclaim time and space for personal pursuits, which had long been constrained by the rigorous demands of ministerial responsibilities. "My hands have been freed up to do many things that I barely got time to do as minister," he said.He is among three ministers who, despite being elected to parliament, were not included in the new Cabinet. The other two are former minister of finance Ipumbu Shiimi and ex-minister of fisheries Derek Klazen. Additionally, nine incumbent ministers lost their Cabinet positions due to their failure to secure re-election to parliament, while five others opted for voluntary retirement.The competition for ministerial appointments intensified following Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to streamline ministries from 21 to 14, significantly narrowing the pool of available positions.Shifeta, who turns 57 tomorrow, has had a long-standing career in government. First elected to Namibia’s National Assembly in 2004, he was appointed as a deputy minister in March 2005 by then President Hifikepunye Pohamba.He retained this position following the 2009 general election and was later reassigned as deputy minister of environment in a December 2012 Cabinet reshuffle. His ascension to full ministerial status arrived in March 2015 under President Hage Geingob’s administration.Down-to-earth outlook Reflecting on his exclusion from Cabinet, Shifeta remains pragmatic, saying: “I was elected by Swapo members to parliament, and I will serve in that capacity. In politics, one must always anticipate change. At least I have completed my term. One could have been removed even before its conclusion, as we serve at the pleasure of the president.”He stressed that he harbours no resentment regarding his omission. “I do not feel aggrieved. The composition of Cabinet is entirely the prerogative of the president.”Shifeta previously contested against Nandi-Ndaitwah for the position of Swapo vice-president at the party’s 2022 congress. However, his exclusion from the executive is not believed to be linked to that internal rivalry.Asserting confidence in his performance, Shifeta dismissed any notion that his omission stemmed from underperformance. “I have consistently performed above average and take immense pride in the collective achievements of my team and me at the ministry.”Amid speculation that some former ministers who were overlooked for Cabinet positions might resign from parliament, Shifeta confirmed his intention to remain. “I have dedicated my entire career to politics and have served in parliament for the past 20 years. I will continue to avail myself to those who see value in my contributions and will serve wherever I am called upon.”Remaining a key figure within Swapo as its secretary for legal affairs, he pledged unwavering support for Nandi-Ndaitwah in her capacity as the party’s president. “My support for her remains steadfast,” he declared.Limited openings Nandi-Ndaitwah is believed to have expressed concerns about the calibre of Swapo members elected to parliament in 2024. This perception was seemingly reinforced by her decision to appoint all of her eight non-voting National Assembly appointees as ministers.However, some within Swapo, including lawmakers excluded from Cabinet, have refuted claims that they lack the necessary qualifications, arguing that many of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s allies were unsuccessful at the party’s electoral college.This, they contend, left the new president with no choice but to appoint ministers from outside the elected cohort.“The assertion that we, the elected members of Swapo in parliament, lack quality is a convenient excuse,” remarked one National Assembly member. “The reality is that Netumbo did not perform well at the electoral college, which limited her options for ministerial appointments. In fact, those who excelled at the electoral college were largely supporters of Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila. The claim of inadequate quality is merely a pretext.”

Shifeta embraces ‘freedom’ after Cabinet omission

Comments

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Bethold Tjeriko 1 Year Ago28 March 2025

Please login to leave a comment

Shifeta embraces ‘freedom’ after Cabinet omission

Comments

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Matheus Nashandi 1 Year Ago27 March 2025

Bethold Tjeriko 1 Year Ago28 March 2025

Please login to leave a comment

Subscription Required to Access Content ×

Login

Subscription Required to Access Content