Veteran ministers exit the stage

Several ministers who did not put themselves forward for election at the just-ended Swapo electoral college have confirmed that they are indeed headed into retirement - with minister John Mutorwa saying it was time to bow out and allow younger generations to take the country forward.Namibian Sun reported this week that, based on the outcome of the electoral college and confirmation by several senior ministers that they will be voluntarily stepping down, Cabinet could lose up to 68% of its current members by March – if the ruling party wins the November election. The number could be higher if some of the incumbent ministers are not reappointed, even if they make it back to parliament.Among those who confirmed their retirement plans are works and transport minister Mutorwa, gender equality minister Doreen Sioka, agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein, home affairs minister Albert Kawana and National Assembly speaker Peter Katjavivi.MutorwaMutorwa, speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday, emphasised that after serving the government for more than three decades, it was time to step aside. The veteran minister, who has held key ministerial positions in the administrations of all four post-independence Namibian presidents, left no room for speculation about his future ambitions.“I’ve served 15 years in President [Sam] Nujoma’s government, 10 years under President [Hifikepunye] Pohamba, and nine years under President Hage Geingob. By 21 March 2025, I will have completed over 30 years of public service. I have no further ambitions. I am a satisfied cadre,” Mutorwa said."I have served a total of 34 years. When I was appointed as regional commissioner in 1990, I was 33. Now I’m 67. Many others are coming up to lead, and it’s time for them to step forward."Mutorwa, whom interim president Nangolo Mbumba appointed as deputy prime minister in February this year, is bowing out with a reputation as one of the most hardworking and morally upright ministers.Mutorwa, a former footballer and school principal, became a member of parliament in 1992, and Nujoma appointed him as deputy minister of water affairs in the Office of the President that year. He became a full minister in 1995, heading the basic education portfolio.Although he expressed pride in his contributions, particularly across various ministries, he declined to identify a single proudest achievement, insisting that his legacy is defined by his overall service, not one specific achievement.SiokaSioka, who is turning 64 next week, confirmed that she, too, will be retiring from active politics. She pointed to the country's progress in potentially electing its first female president this November as one of her proudest contributions.“I think my greatest achievement is helping implement the 50-50 gender representation, the so-called zebra list, which paved the way for a woman to lead the country,” she said. Sioka was first elected to parliament in 1994 and served as deputy speaker of the National Assembly before becoming a minister in 2005, where she held roles in gender equality and labour ministries.SchlettweinSchlettwein, 70, revealed plans for his life after politics, saying he still sees himself contributing to the country’s development, even in retirement.“I may retire from the government, but I’ll still reflect on my journey. I have an extensive photographic collection of my career and Namibia’s milestones, and I’d like to do something meaningful with it. Plus, I want to spend more time with my family,” Schlettwein told Namibian Sun.He assured that he would remain committed to the party and is ready to serve in non-governmental roles if required. A veteran administrator, Schlettwein served as a permanent secretary, now called executive director, in various ministries before being appointed to parliament by Pohamba in 2010, initially as deputy minister of finance before becoming minister of trade in 2012.New bloodKatjavivi also confirmed his retirement, noting that his plans were set in motion months ago.Previously, he told Windhoek Observer: “Let me make it clear that I am not retiring from serving Swapo or the country, but I am making room within the party structures for others to rise and take up the mantle.”Kawana, who confirmed previously that he was stepping down and was not available for re-election at the electoral college, could not be reached for comment.nikanor@erongo.com.na

Veteran ministers exit the stage

Comments

Namibian Sun 2024-12-26

Please login to leave a comment

Veteran ministers exit the stage

Comments

Namibian Sun 2024-12-26

Please login to leave a comment

Login