Inecia Brandt juggles dual leadership roles

From Daures to the national executive, Inecia Brandt is suddenly juggling two roles – deputy minister of justice and labour relations in Windhoek and councillor for the constituency she still calls home.

Appointed earlier this month by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Brandt is among a group of regional leaders elevated to the executive in a move aimed at strengthening service delivery and drawing constituency-level experience into government.

Despite the shift to national office, she says her role as Daures councillor of the Erongo Regional Council remains central to her work.

“My role as councillor remains very important to me. The people of Daures went out in numbers and democratically elected me. They are the reason I’ve made it this far,” she said.

She continues to monitor developments in the constituency through structured engagement, combining visits with ongoing communication with local leadership and stakeholders. The dual roles, she said, is manageable with planning and support, particularly in coordinating responsibilities.

“It is up to me to plan, coordinate, delegate and properly see to it that my responsibilities are fulfilled on both ends,” she said.

Her appointment came as a surprise, marking a rapid transition from regional to national responsibilities.

“I was so shocked when the president called me and affirmed her confidence in me,” Brandt said, describing the moment as a call to serve.

Straddling two roles

The adjustment has required adapting to a different scale of governance.

While her background lies outside the ministry, Brandt draws on her experience as a businesswoman dealing with labour issues and workforce management, which she said provides a practical foundation for her new portfolio.

At the same time, she acknowledged the pace of national office has presented challenges, particularly in adapting to the scope of responsibilities.

“The biggest challenge is adjusting to the scale and pace of national responsibilities, but I am embracing it with focus and determination,” she said.

Intertwined

Brandt’s dual role reflects a broader governance approach that keeps regional representatives connected to national decision-making structures, allowing them to carry local perspectives into policy processes.

She said both positions ultimately serve the same purpose.

“Both roles complement each other, as they are ultimately about serving people,” she said.

Her focus now is on contributing to a justice and labour system that is accessible and responsive, while maintaining direct links with the community that remains her political base.