President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has reminded the new governors of the business-unusual mantra and that quality service delivery to citizens is a non-negotiable deliverable.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed seven governors following the conclusion of the terms of those who were appointed by the late President Hage Geingob in 2020.
The regional governors appointed are Pijoo Nganate, who is retaining Omaheke; Immanuel Shikongo for Omusati; and Dorothy Kabula, who heads to the Zambezi Region.
Nathalia |Goagoses moves to Erongo; Hofni Iipinge to Oshana; and Dawid Gertze for the ||Kharas; while the Ohangwena Region is to be served by Kadiva Hamutumwa.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah charged the new appointees to hit the ground running and ensure that the central government's initiatives, policies and programmes are effectively implemented.
"As indicated on the 27th of March 2025, when I appointed your colleagues, we committed ourselves in the Election Manifesto of the Swapo Party to dealing with the unacceptably high unemployment rate, especially among our young people. Housing and land delivery deficits must be confronted, and the gap between urban and rural areas needs to be bridged. Unemployment is a barrier to social progress, national cohesion, and prosperity. If we deal with the unemployment challenge by growing our economy and creating new jobs, poverty becomes a thing of the past, and Namibians will improve their quality of life."
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah also made it clear that the results of the governors would be judged on the basis of the implementation of the 2024 Swapo Party Election Manifesto Implementation Plan.
The Implementation Plan has since been transformed in the 6th National Development Plan.
"I will launch it soon because all the work is done. I expect you to be familiar with the seven priorities of our government. Similarly, I expect you to be familiar with the eight critical economic enablers to effectively champion development in your respective regions. Let me re-emphasise what I told your fellow governors on 27 March 2025, when they assumed duties. This also applies to you. 'Lack of implementation of government policies and programmes shall not be tolerated.' You should provide speedy solutions to challenges in your regions."
The appointment also completes the cycle of appointments of regional governors to serve for the next five years.
All 14 regional governors are expected to attend an induction workshop starting on Wednesday.