/Goagoses takes helm in Erongo with focus on inclusive excellence
New Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses has signalled a shift in leadership focus from symbolic regional excellence to inclusive, measurable impact across all towns and settlements.
Newly appointed Erongo governor Nathalia /Goagoses says her leadership will focus on expanding the region’s “excellence” to every town and settlement, building on the legacy of her predecessor, Neville Andre, while placing stronger emphasis on inclusivity and grassroots impact.
Answering questions by Namibian Sun for the first time in her new role, /Goagoses acknowledged the symbolism of the “region of excellence” label, but questioned whether that standard was being felt equally across the region.
“Is this excellence equally experienced in every part of Erongo? Can a resident in Otjimbingwe, Okombahe, or the DRC settlement where sanitation remains a serious issue confidently say they experience the same excellence as someone in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay?” she asked.
Game-changing projects
/Goagoses, who previously served as Erongo’s Chief Regional Officer (CRO) and later as higher education minister, said her leadership will aim to turn excellence into “a collective standard” in service delivery and development.
She added that her approach will centre on identifying “game-changing projects” with immediate benefits, as guided by the National Development Plans and the Swapo Party Manifesto.
Reflecting on the lighter legacy left by Andre and former governors, who joked about controlling Erongo’s famously unpredictable coastal weather with a “remote,” /Goagoses responded: “We appreciate the ‘remote controlled weather’ metaphor, but my focus as governor is broader... My focus remains in identifying and promoting each area’s unique comparative advantages.”
She cited opportunities in agri-business in Daures, tourism in Spitzkoppe, and logistics in Walvis Bay, stressing the need to treat all areas of the region as vital to its future.
Revisiting collaborative projects
/Goagoses said she plans to revisit collaborative projects such as the OKULAC initiative – a partnership between Omaruru, Karibib, and Usakos local authorities.
“I’m ready to re-engage and support such regional innovation,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of working with traditional authorities to strengthen community courts and preserve cultural identity.
In a message to young people, she urged them not to wait on the margins.
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the partners of today,” she said. “Educate yourselves in key growth sectors... Be job creators, not just job seekers.”
She committed to hosting information-sharing sessions aimed at closing the gap between youth and the private sector.
“As governor,” she said, “I’m ready to hit the ground running – not just because I know the landscape, but because I’ve helped shape it.”
Answering questions by Namibian Sun for the first time in her new role, /Goagoses acknowledged the symbolism of the “region of excellence” label, but questioned whether that standard was being felt equally across the region.
“Is this excellence equally experienced in every part of Erongo? Can a resident in Otjimbingwe, Okombahe, or the DRC settlement where sanitation remains a serious issue confidently say they experience the same excellence as someone in Swakopmund or Walvis Bay?” she asked.
Game-changing projects
/Goagoses, who previously served as Erongo’s Chief Regional Officer (CRO) and later as higher education minister, said her leadership will aim to turn excellence into “a collective standard” in service delivery and development.
She added that her approach will centre on identifying “game-changing projects” with immediate benefits, as guided by the National Development Plans and the Swapo Party Manifesto.
Reflecting on the lighter legacy left by Andre and former governors, who joked about controlling Erongo’s famously unpredictable coastal weather with a “remote,” /Goagoses responded: “We appreciate the ‘remote controlled weather’ metaphor, but my focus as governor is broader... My focus remains in identifying and promoting each area’s unique comparative advantages.”
She cited opportunities in agri-business in Daures, tourism in Spitzkoppe, and logistics in Walvis Bay, stressing the need to treat all areas of the region as vital to its future.
Revisiting collaborative projects
/Goagoses said she plans to revisit collaborative projects such as the OKULAC initiative – a partnership between Omaruru, Karibib, and Usakos local authorities.
“I’m ready to re-engage and support such regional innovation,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of working with traditional authorities to strengthen community courts and preserve cultural identity.
In a message to young people, she urged them not to wait on the margins.
“You are not the leaders of tomorrow; you are the partners of today,” she said. “Educate yourselves in key growth sectors... Be job creators, not just job seekers.”
She committed to hosting information-sharing sessions aimed at closing the gap between youth and the private sector.
“As governor,” she said, “I’m ready to hit the ground running – not just because I know the landscape, but because I’ve helped shape it.”
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