Leading through loss: Mbumba’s final words to Namibia

President Nangolo Mbumba, who assumed leadership under extraordinary circumstances, delivered an emotional farewell to both Cabinet and parliament yesterday as his 13-month term as head of state draws to a close on Friday. Mbumba urged Namibians to stay committed to unity and prosperity while continuing the fight against social ills. He is widely recognised for leading the nation through a period of mourning following the passing of late president Hage Geingob in February last year. His tenure also saw the loss of his mentor, Namibia’s founding president, Sam Nujoma, earlier this year.In his farewell address to the seventh National Assembly and Cabinet, Mbumba emphasised the duty of future lawmakers to uphold the principles enshrined in Namibia’s Constitution.“I encourage current and future generations of members of parliament to use this chamber as a platform to advance the ideals of unity, liberty, equality, and justice as enshrined in our Constitution,” Mbumba said. He called upon lawmakers to champion economic freedom and combat societal ills such as racism, tribalism, division and corruption.“They must continue to fight against these vices to honour the noble values for which many heroes and heroines sacrificed their lives, leading to Namibia’s independence on 21 March 1990.”Next chapterOn Friday, Mbumba will officially step down, handing over the presidency to President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is set to be sworn in.Reflecting on his presidency, Mbumba dismissed the notion that power is always desirable, expressing contentment as he bids farewell to public office.“Although I am here to say goodbye, I am reminded that leaving public life, especially the presidency, is never easy. Some say power is sweet, yet I am happy to deliver my parting statement, if not statements, this week,” he said.He also expressed eagerness to join former president Hifikepunye Pohamba in retirement.“I look forward to joining the person and leader I admired most, president Hifikepunye Pohamba. We have a lot to catch up on.”During his last Cabinet meeting, Mbumba expressed deep gratitude to his ministers for their support throughout his tenure.“Despite the overwhelming challenges we faced in the past months, we remained focused on advancing the government’s developmental agenda and improving the quality of life for Namibians,” he said.He highlighted key Cabinet decisions aimed at fostering economic growth, employment creation and poverty eradication, acknowledging the successful implementation of these policies.Economic prospectsMbumba noted that Namibia’s economic outlook remains positive, citing the discovery of oil and gas, as well as progress in green hydrogen development.“The economic outlook remains promising with new discoveries of oil, gas and mineral resources, alongside the vigorous promotion of green industrialisation and the blue economy,” he said.The president added that efforts to attract investment and promote economic growth have positioned Namibia for a new era of prosperity.“As our economy continues to recover from the effects of Covid-19, we can look forward to the transformative potential of green hydrogen and oil and gas discoveries.”kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Leading through loss: Mbumba’s final words to Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-26

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Leading through loss: Mbumba’s final words to Namibia

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-26

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