Hage takes control

Hage Geingob has given the clearest indication yet what the nation can expect from his presidency, by announcing sweeping changes to government ministries. This includes placing a split Ministry of Education into the hands of four women, appointing church leaders to head poverty eradication and playing to the strengths of others he appointed as ministers and deputy ministers. On page 4 and 5 is a full list of his Cabinet and other announcements, as well as his explanation for renaming and realigning most government ministries. Among the most critical announcements was the anticipated formation of a poverty eradication ministry, with Geingob appointing Bishop Zephania Kameeta as Minister of Poverty Alleviation. The Ministry of Education was split into two ministries, namely the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation. Industrialisation Critically, to drive industrialisation and job creation, Geingob also announced that the Ministry of Trade and Industry will be replaced by the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development. “Now that our industrial policy had been approved, it is expected that the drive towards industrialisation will gain momentum going forward. It is common knowledge that a vibrant SME sector is crucial for economic development, Geingob said. DTA leader McHenry Venaani said: “Let me give Geingob credit for creating the ministries for minorities and those living with physical disabilities. On the configuration of the ministries, I believe it is in line with world standards. Venaani, whose party will occupy the official opposition benches from tomorrow in Parliament, also congratulated those Geingob appointed yesterday. “We look forward to keeping them on their toes. Kameeta plans to go BIG Kameeta confirmed speculation yesterday that the Basic Income Grant (BIG) would feature on his to-do list. He said, however, that although he has his own ideas on how to best deal with poverty, the President will have the final say. The long-time BIG proponent expressed his gratitude for the confidence shown in him by Geingob. “I thank the president-elect that he thought I could perhaps make a contribution, said Kameeta. Kameeta will be deputised by Reverend Aino Kapewangolo, who is a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia (Elcin). Kapewangolo confirmed that she would accept her appointment and said she was prepared for the task. She said she looked forward to the job, since she had spent her whole life doing pastoral work. Economist, Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, said: “I think the Ministry of Industrialisation is a noble ideal, but what is going to happen? You will know that the SME Bank is already a realisation that the SMEs are important to improving the economy. He added that renaming ministries would not necessarily improve performance “It all depends on the commitment of the minister. Nudo Secretary-General Meundju Jahanika said they had heard that Geingob may appoint qualified members from the opposition into government positions, but this had not materialised. Hanse-Himarwa The country’s new Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, said: “No child will be taught under a tree, these are the words of president-elect Hage Geingob during his presidential campaign that will guide me. The former Hardap Regional Governor, with 17 years of teaching experience, said she has no plans to re-invent the ministry, but change is sure to come. Her deputy Anna Nghipondoka is an education expert, who formerly served as Director of Education in the Omusati Region and head of the National Training Association (NTA). Bringing over 30 years of teaching and management skills to the table, Nghipondonka said the main challenge facing education is implementation. “The right policies are in place, we just need to speed up implementation, she said. Newly-appointed Minister of Higher Education Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi said she never expected to be appointed as minister, but is excited by the new challenge. “I have worked in the education sector for many years and the fact that the president elected me into this position speaks volumes, said Murangi. She has previously served as the Dean of Students and International Exchange at the University of Namibia (Unam). Venaani wants meeting Venaani said he would meet with Geingob in person to discuss various issues, including the bloated public service. “This is dangerous for our economy and these resources can be channelled to socio-economic engagement on the ground. I will give him the benefit of the doubt, but I would like to discuss how the government plans on financing such an oversized and bloated system. Venaani also said he was surprised that certain underperformers had been retained. “Our parastatals are not that many; I would have had a department of SOEs, being headed by the deputy minister in the Ministry of Trade. WINDHOEK ELVIS MURARANGANDA