Newly elected Members of Parliament delivered their maiden speeches in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, reflecting on meaningful transitions in their political careers and setting the tone for their legislative agendas.
A maiden speech is the first speech delivered by a newly elected member of a parliament.
Rodney Cloete of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) announced his role as the party's Chief Whip while also taking up the responsibility of shadow Minister of International Relations and Trade.
In his address, Cloete expressed gratitude to IPC leader Panduleni Iitula, crediting his guidance for promoting a rule-based approach in the party's leadership.
"The IPC also advocates for an economic diplomacy approach where every diplomatic engagement should advance Namibia's economic interests. We are encouraged to see this. However, merging structures is the easy part; delivering results is the true test."
Affirmative Repositioning (AR) leader, Associate Professor Job Amupanda, delivered an address laden with historical lessons, beginning with a reflection on the Ondonga Kingdom and the 1884 succession of Kambonde and Nehale, which he described as an important moment in Namibia's struggle for freedom.
He linked the historical accounts to current issues, urging a break from what he termed the lingering "colonial software" embedded in Namibia's institutions.
Dr Amupanda also called for a developmental state with strong public institutions and an end to economic contradictions such as high unemployment and land inequality.
"We do not regret being on these benches. We are also not afraid to face our own, including our mentors and those we hold in high regard. We are a hot iron on which no minister will sit. We are the small axe ready to chop a big tree. We are not born to oppose, just as we are not born to blindly support. We are here to fulfil the generational mission."
Swapo MP Austin Samupwa used his speech to thank his parents for their role in his upbringing and education, particularly his late father, Mainga Samupwa.
Samupwa pledged to focus on four critical areas during his term in Parliament, which are youth employment, housing and sanitation, education, and rural development.
"I undertake to initiate and support legislative laws that are aimed at removing bureaucracies and obstacles to delivering services efficiently and effectively to all Namibians."
He commended the government for allocating funds to these sectors under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
Fellow Swapo MP Hilma Iita explained that she represents the voice of Namibia's diverse people.
"I carry into this chamber their lived realities— their stories of perseverance, their struggles and their aspirations. Many of them are farmers, workers, entrepreneurs, students, veterans and carers. Their collective expectations are clear: they seek tangible action, equal distribution of natural resources, unwavering integrity and meaningful results."
She also stressed the importance of careful deliberation on the appropriation bill, which she said should be viewed as more than a fiscal exercise.