EDITORIAL: A president grounded in Namibia

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's growing habit to remain largely at home, inspecting projects and demanding results from those entrusted with public resources, is proving to be a refreshing departure from a political culture that too often equates leadership with foreign trips.

For years, Namibians have watched senior government officials criss-cross the globe in the name of diplomacy, conferences, study tours and investment promotion. Yet the question has always lingered as to what exactly the country gained from all that travel?

When former president Hage Geingob assumed office, one of his earliest pronouncements was a restriction on foreign travel by ministers and senior officials so that attention could be focused on domestic challenges.

But before long, foreign trips became routine again, and Namibia found itself with one of the most travel-happy administrations in its history.

Nandi-Ndaitwah appears determined not to repeat that mistake. More than a year into her presidency, she has remained largely grounded, spending her time visiting agricultural projects, inspecting government programmes and engaging local businesses. Instead of collecting passport stamps, she has been collecting first-hand information about the state of the nation.

Problems such as unemployment, poverty, poor service delivery and underperforming state projects will not be solved from conference halls in foreign capitals.

Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has similarly maintained a visible presence on the ground, overseeing government operations and engaging local issues. 

Of course, no country can isolate itself from the world. Diplomacy, trade missions and international cooperation remain essential. Namibia must continue to engage partners abroad and pursue investment opportunities wherever they exist.

But foreign travel should be a tool, not a lifestyle. At a time when government asks fiscal discipline and sacrifices from citizens, restraint at the highest levels of leadership is both symbolically and practically important.