Editorial: Power, trust and the burden of choice

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s swift and ruthless dismissal of mines and energy minister Natangwe Ithete sends a clear message – accountability will not be negotiated. Ithete has become the second casualty of her seven-month-old administration, following the early exit of agriculture minister Mac Hengari just three months into his role.



Such firm action reassures the public that poor performance and indiscipline will not be tolerated.



It also exposes uncomfortable truths about the vetting process that placed these individuals in positions of national trust in the first place. If ministers are failing within months, the problem lies not only in their performance but also in the judgement exercised in appointing them.



The criteria used to assess competence, leadership potential and moral integrity must be subjected to serious scrutiny. Equally concerning is the president’s decision to take over the mines ministry portfolio herself.



While it demonstrates resolve, it also reflects a deepening lack of confidence in the political talent around her. The absence of a clear successor to fill Tom Alweendo’s capable shoes speaks volumes about the leadership vacuum confronting Namibia today. Decisiveness is a virtue – but so is discernment. Power must punish failure, yet remain wise enough to prevent it.