Geingob names 14 new ambassadors
After months of speculation, President Hage Geingob yesterday appointed 14 new envoys.
Oshana governor Clemens Kashuupulwa, former presidency spokesperson Albertus Aochamub and Swapo veteran Asser Kapere were all confirmed as new ambassadors and high commissioners.
Kashuupulwa is the ambassador-designate to Russia, while Kapere, who is a former National Council chairperson, is Namibia's new high commissioner to Botswana, replacing Mbapeua Muvangua.
Aochamub, as was widely expected, is Namibia's new representative in France, while current trade and industrialisation ministry permanent secretary Gabriel Sinimbo is heading to India.
Veteran diplomat Patrick Nandago will be leaving his home affairs accounting officer position to head Namibia's mission in Angola.
Another former permanent secretary who has landed an ambassadorial role is Samuel /Goagoseb, who will replace Jerobeam Shaanika in Cuba.
The new ambassador to Zambia is Haindongo Siyave, while Simeon Uulenga will represent Namibia in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nada Kruger will be heading to Austria, while Penda Naanda will assume the role of permanent representative to the United Nations.
Long-serving diplomat Linda Scott will leave the UN to take over from Steve Katjiuanjo as Namibia's representative in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
George Liswaniso, who served as Namibia's high commissioner to the UK until 2013, will now head to Sweden.
Ministry of international relations senior official Morven Luswenyo is Namibia's new ambassador to Japan, while National Council secretary Emilia Mkusa will take up duty as Namibia's permanent representative to the African Union (AU).
Commenting on the shake-up, one of Namibia's top diplomats, Tuliameni Kalomoh, praised Geingob's appointments, saying they were good although there had been a call for the appointment of younger people.
“Youthfulness is not the only consideration for senior posts. Yes, some of them are over 50 some are even over 60, but we must look at the energy, the capacity and wisdom that they bring to the position,” Kalomoh said.
Geingob yesterday urged the representatives to know their country like the back of their hands and not to stutter when asked about it.
He also urged them to find new niche markets for organic products and to market Namibia as a top tourism destination.
“I expect Namibia to find more trading partners. Improve our global rankings. Know your country's statistics. If you are asked what your country's GDP is, do not say 'I think...'. You must know it like you know your own name,” said Geingob.
JEMIMA BEUKES
Oshana governor Clemens Kashuupulwa, former presidency spokesperson Albertus Aochamub and Swapo veteran Asser Kapere were all confirmed as new ambassadors and high commissioners.
Kashuupulwa is the ambassador-designate to Russia, while Kapere, who is a former National Council chairperson, is Namibia's new high commissioner to Botswana, replacing Mbapeua Muvangua.
Aochamub, as was widely expected, is Namibia's new representative in France, while current trade and industrialisation ministry permanent secretary Gabriel Sinimbo is heading to India.
Veteran diplomat Patrick Nandago will be leaving his home affairs accounting officer position to head Namibia's mission in Angola.
Another former permanent secretary who has landed an ambassadorial role is Samuel /Goagoseb, who will replace Jerobeam Shaanika in Cuba.
The new ambassador to Zambia is Haindongo Siyave, while Simeon Uulenga will represent Namibia in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nada Kruger will be heading to Austria, while Penda Naanda will assume the role of permanent representative to the United Nations.
Long-serving diplomat Linda Scott will leave the UN to take over from Steve Katjiuanjo as Namibia's representative in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
George Liswaniso, who served as Namibia's high commissioner to the UK until 2013, will now head to Sweden.
Ministry of international relations senior official Morven Luswenyo is Namibia's new ambassador to Japan, while National Council secretary Emilia Mkusa will take up duty as Namibia's permanent representative to the African Union (AU).
Commenting on the shake-up, one of Namibia's top diplomats, Tuliameni Kalomoh, praised Geingob's appointments, saying they were good although there had been a call for the appointment of younger people.
“Youthfulness is not the only consideration for senior posts. Yes, some of them are over 50 some are even over 60, but we must look at the energy, the capacity and wisdom that they bring to the position,” Kalomoh said.
Geingob yesterday urged the representatives to know their country like the back of their hands and not to stutter when asked about it.
He also urged them to find new niche markets for organic products and to market Namibia as a top tourism destination.
“I expect Namibia to find more trading partners. Improve our global rankings. Know your country's statistics. If you are asked what your country's GDP is, do not say 'I think...'. You must know it like you know your own name,” said Geingob.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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