I have a record of retiring, I can rest – Ndeitunga

Retired police general and outgoing Ohangwena governor Sebastian Ndeitunga says he is ready to finally take a well-deserved break to tend to his livestock after decades of serving the Namibian nation.Ndeitunga’s term and those of all other governors, except Pitjo Nganate's in the Omaheke region, ended last week when President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced the new regional governors. Kadiva Hamutumwa replaces Ndeitunga.Speaking to Namibian Sun on Saturday, Ndeitunga said he plans to spend his time looking after his chickens, goats, and cattle, jokingly adding that there is “nothing else for him to do”.“I have a record of retiring. I lost my virginity in the liberation struggle and fought for this country. I thank my government for believing in me and giving me noble tasks which I have fulfilled. It’s time to truly rest,” he said.Ndeitunga welcomed the appointment of Hamutumwa, saying he stands ready to support her if she seeks his guidance. “I am patriotic. We want her to succeed. Her success is the country’s success,” Ndeitunga said, adding that he would advise her to maintain good relations with Cunene province in Angola to facilitate cross-border economic opportunities.Reflecting on his time in office, Ndeitunga expressed pride in promoting unity in the Ohangwena Region, though he acknowledged that some expectations may not have been fully met.“Rome wasn’t built in a day. I did what I could, and the new leadership will continue from where I left off. Some community members appreciated my performance,” he said.Limited resources hindered progressNdeitunga lamented that limited resources constrained development efforts in Ohangwena, especially in addressing water scarcity and improving road infrastructure in remote areas such as Okongo, Epembe, Oshikunde, Omundaungilo, and Eenhana.He pointed to the latest Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) report, which shows Ohangwena has the highest unemployment rate in the country at 52.8%, well above the national average of 36.9%. Youth unemployment stands at 44.4%.“We are genuinely concerned. High unemployment brings poverty and social issues like crime, substance abuse, and mental health problems,” he said.Ndeitunga previously served as Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force from 2005 until his retirement in 2022, before being appointed governor by the late President Hage Geingob in November 2023.Oshana bids farewell to IrimariMeanwhile, the Oshana regional leadership expressed gratitude to outgoing governor Elia Irimari, describing him as “a steward of hope, a voice for the voiceless, and a tireless advocate for meaningful change.” The leadership praised his commitment to socioeconomic development and the implementation of policies aimed at uplifting the region.Presidential prerogative in appointmentsPresident Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement of new regional governors has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics noting that only one governor from former President Hage Geingob’s administration has been retained.Political commentator Rakkel Andreas said it is the president’s prerogative to appoint governors who align with her vision and whom she trusts to implement the ruling party’s agenda at the grassroots level.“The choice is less about sidelining Geingob’s governors and more about ensuring the Swapo Party’s implementation plan is actioned effectively in the regions,” Andreas said.She further noted that with upcoming regional and local authority elections, the selection of younger governors in regions such as Ohangwena, Oshana, and Omusati could be a strategic move to appeal to young voters. Fundamental issueGraham Hopwood, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy and Research (IPPR), said it is the president’s prerogative to choose who she wants as regional governors, so those who have served under the past administration should not have an automatic expectation that they would be re-appointed. Hopwood said this is the nature of politics: when a new government comes into office, there will be leadership changes.“The more fundamental issue here is the exact role and powers of regional governors vis-a-vis regional councils. We should be decentralising and democratising, which means ensuring the regional councils have more powers and responsibilities. These are public discussions that should take place in the run-up to the regional and local elections,” he said. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said it is the president’s prerogative to choose who she wants as regional governors, so those who have served under the past administration should not have an automatic expectation that they would be re-appointed. Hopwood said this is the nature of politics: when a new government comes into office, there will be leadership changes.“The more fundamental issue here is the exact role and powers of regional governors vis-a-vis regional councils. We should be decentralising and democratising which means ensuring the regional councils have more powers and responsibilities. These are public discussions that should take place in the run up to the regional and local elections,” he said.

I have a record of retiring, I can rest – Ndeitunga

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-25

Please login to leave a comment

I have a record of retiring, I can rest – Ndeitunga

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-25

Please login to leave a comment

Login