Cabinet of Namibia explained

The Cabinet of Namibia is an appointed body that was established by Chapter 6 (Articles 35-42) of the Constitution of Namibia. It is mandated to include the following positions: the President of Namibia, the Prime Minister of Namibia and any positions that the President so appoints.^[1]

All cabinet members also sit in the National Assembly. This situation has been criticised by Namibia's civil society and the opposition as creating a significant overlap between executive and legislature, undermining the separation of powers. Moreover, the seniority of cabinet members generally relegate ordinary MPs to the back benches.^[2]

List of cabinets of Namibia

Current cabinet (2020–)

The current cabinet was announced on 21 March 2020. Several deputy minister positions have been disestablished as a cost-cutting measure. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has been merged with the Ministry of Land Reform, and the Ministry of Veteran Affairs is now part of Defence.^[3] The death of the president in February 2024 necessitated a reshuffle in the top leadership.

• President

Hage Geingob (until 4 February 2024), Nangolo Mbumba

• Vice-President

Nangolo Mbumba (until 4 February 2024), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

• Prime Minister

Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila

• Deputy-Prime Minister

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (until 4 February 2024)

• Minister of Presidential Affairs: Christine ǁHoebes
  • Deputy for the recognition of the disabled: Alexia Manombe-Ncube
  • Deputy for the recognition of marginalised people: Royal ǀUiǀoǀoo
• Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: Calle Schlettwein
  • Deputy: Anna Shiweda
• Attorney General: Festus Mbandeka
• Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs: Peter Vilho (until April 2021),^[4] Frans Kapofi^[5]
  • Deputy: Hilma Nicanor
• Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: Anna Nghipondoka
  • Deputy: Faustina Caley
• Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: Pohamba Shifeta
  • Deputy: Heather Sibungo (from April 2021)^[5]
• Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises: Iipumbu Shiimi
  • Deputy: Maureen Hinda-Mbuende (from April 2021)^[5]
• Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources: Albert Kawana (until April 2021), Derek Klazen^[5]
  • Deputy: Sylvia Makgone
• Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare: Doreen Sioka
  • Deputy: Bernadette Jagger
  • Deputy: Lucia Witbooi (until September 2023)
• Minister of Health and Social Services: Kalumbi Shangula
  • Deputy: Esther Muinjangue (NUDO), the only opposition politician in cabinet
• Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: Frans Kapofi (until April 2021), Albert Kawana^[5]
  • Deputy: Daniel Kashikola (until September 2023), Lucia Witbooi^[6]
• Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation: Itah Kandjii-Murangi
  • Deputy: Veno Kauaria (from April 2021),^[5] Natalia ǀGoagoses^[6]
• Minister of Industrialization and Trade: Lucia Iipumbu
  • Deputy: Verna Sinimbo
• Minister of Information and Communications Technology: Peya Mushelenga until 09 February 2024 Emma Theofelus
  • Deputy: Modestus Amutse
• Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah until 09 February 2024 Peya Mushelenga
  • Deputy: Jennely Matundu
• Minister of Justice: Yvonne Dausab
• Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation: Utoni Nujoma
  • Deputy: Hafeni Ndemula
• Minister of Mines and Energy: Tom Alweendo
  • Deputy: Kornelia Shilunga
• Director General of the National Planning Commission: Obeth Kandjoze
• Minister of Public Enterprises: Leon Jooste (resigned 31 March 2022) (merged with finance ministry on 1 December 2022)^[7]
• Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service: Agnes Tjongarero
  • Deputy: Emma Kantema-Gaomas
• Minister of Urban and Rural Development: Erastus Uutoni
  • Deputy: Derek Klazen (until April 2021), Natalia ǀGoagoses^[5] (until September 2023), Eveline !Nawases-Tayele^[6]
• Minister of Works and Transport: John Mutorwa
  • Deputy: Veikko Nekundi

2015–2020

The 6th Cabinet was announced on 19 March 2015. The position of Vice-President was established for the first time, as well as five ministries with two deputy ministers each. Their double appointments significantly increased the number of top positions in public administration.^{[8] [9]}

A major cabinet reshuffle occurred in February 2018 when two ministers were fired, the vice-president retired on health grounds, and several other rotations took place.^[10] In the wake of the February cabinet reshuffle the number of deputy ministers was reduced again to one per ministry, with the Office of the Vice-President the only exception. This move was announced as a cost-cutting measure.^{[11] [12]}

• President: Hage Geingob
• Vice-President: Nickey Iyambo (until February 2018), Nangolo Mbumba
• Prime Minister: Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
• Deputy-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
  • Deputy: Peya Mushelenga (until February 2018), Christine ǁHoebes
  • Deputy: Maureen Hinda-Mbuende (until February 2018)
• Attorney-General: Albert Kawana
• Director General of the National Planning Commission and Minister of Economic Planning: Tom Alweendo (until February 2018), Obeth Kandjoze
  • Deputy: Lucia Iipumbu (until February 2018), Piet van der Walt
    • Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry: John Mutorwa (until February 2018), Alpheus ǃNaruseb Deputy: Theo Diergaardt
  • Deputy: Anna Shiweda
• Minister of Defence: Penda ya Ndakolo
  • Deputy: Billy Mwaningange
• Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: Katrina Hanse-Himarwa (until July 2019), Martin Andjaba (acting),^[13] Anna Nghipondoka (From March 2020)
  • Deputy: Anna Nghipondoka (until February 2020).
• Minister of Environment and Tourism: Pohamba Shifeta
  • Deputy: Tommy Nambahu (until February 2018), Bernadette Jagger
• Minister of Finance: Calle Schlettwein
  • Deputy: Natangwe Ithete
• Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources: Bernhard Esau (until 13 November 2019), Albert Kawana (acting)^[14]
  • Deputy: Chief Samuel Ankama (until February 2018), Sylvia Makgone
• Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare: Doreen Sioka
  • Deputy: Lucia Witbooi
• Minister of Health and Social Services: Bernard Haufiku (until December 2018), Kalumbi Shangula^[15]
  • Deputy: Juliet Kavetuna
• Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation: Itah Kandjii-Murangi
  • Deputy: Becky Ndoze-Ojo
• Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration: Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana (until February 2018), Frans Kapofi
  • Deputy: Erastus Uutoni
• Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development: Immanuel Ngatjizeko (until February 2018), Tjekero Tweya
  • Deputy: Piet van der Walt (until February 2018), Lucia Iipumbu
• Minister of Information and Communication Technology: Tjekero Tweya (until February 2018), Stanley Simataa
  • Deputy: Stanley Simaata (until February 2018), Engel Nawatiseb
• Minister of Justice: Albert Kawana (until February 2018), Sackeus Shanghala (until 13 November 2019), Frans Kapofi (acting)^[14]
  • Deputy: Lidwina Shapwa
• Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation: Erkki Nghimtina
  • Deputy: Alpheus Muheua (until February 2018), Tommy Nambahu
• Minister of Land Reform: Utoni Nujoma
  • Deputy: Bernadus Swartbooi (until December 2016),^[16] Priscilla Boois (from December 2016)^[17]
• Minister of Mines and Energy: Obeth Kandjoze (until February 2018), Tom Alweendo
  • Deputy: Kornelia Shilunga
• Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare: Bishop Zephania Kameeta
  • Deputy: Priscilla Beukes
  • Deputy: Reverend Aino Kapewangolo
• Minister of Presidential Affairs: Frans Kapofi (until February 2018), Immanuel Ngatjizeko (until February 2018), Martin Andjaba^[18]
  • Deputy: Christine ǁHoebes (until February 2018)
• Minister of Public Enterprises: Leon Jooste
  • Deputy: Engel Nawatiseb (until February 2018), Veikko Nekundi
• Minister of Safety and Security: Charles Namoloh
  • Deputy: Daniel Kashikola (Until September 2023), Lucia Witbooi (From September 2023-)
• Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service: Jerry Ekandjo (until February 2018), Erastus Uutoni
  • Deputy: Agnes Tjongarero
• Minister of Urban and Rural Development: Sophia Shaningwa (until February 2018), Peya Mushelenga
  • Deputy: Derek Klazen
  • Deputy: Sylvia Makgone (until February 2018), Chief Samuel Ankama
• Minister of Veterans' Affairs: Nickey Iyambo
  • Deputy for the recognition of the disabled: Alexia Manombe-Ncube
  • Deputy for the recognition of marginalised people: Royal ǀUiǀoǀoo
  • Deputy for the recognition of veterans of the fight for independence: Hilma Nicanor
• Minister of Works and Transport: Alpheus ǃNaruseb (until February 2018), John Mutorwa
  • Deputy: Sankwasa James Sankwasa
  • Deputy: Kilus Nguvauva

2010–2015

This Cabinet was appointed in 2010. The SWAPO congress end of November 2012 resulted in "one of the biggest Cabinet reshuffles the country has seen since independence".^[19]

• President: Hifikepunye Pohamba
• Prime Minister: Nahas Angula (2010–2012), Hage Geingob (2012–2015)^[19]
• Deputy-Prime Minister: Marco Hausiku
• Speaker of Parliament: Theo-Ben Gurirab
  • Deputy Speaker: Loide Kasingo
• Minister of Trade and Industry: Hage Geingob (2010–2012), Calle Schlettwein (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Tjekero Tweya
• Minister of Justice: Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana (2010–2012), Utoni Nujoma (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Tommy Nambahu
• Minister of Safety and Security: Nangolo Mbumba (2010–2012), Immanuel Ngatjizeko (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Erastus Uutoni
• Minister of Presidential Affairs and Attorney General: Albert Kawana
  • Deputy: none
• Minister of Defence: Charles Namoloh (2010–2012), Nahas Angula (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Lempy Lucas (2010–2012), Petrus Iilonga (2012–2015)^[19]
• Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration: Rosalia Nghidinwa (2010–2012), Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Elia Kaiyamo
• Minister of Finance: Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
  • Deputy: Calle Schlettwein (2010–2012), vacant as from 4 December 2012^[20]
• Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development: Jerry Ekandjo (2010–2012), Charles Namoloh (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Priscilla Beukes
• Minister of Foreign Affairs: Utoni Nujoma (2010–2012), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (2012–)^[19]
  • Deputy: Peya Mushelenga
• Minister of Health: Richard Kamwi
  • Deputy: Petrina Haingura
• Minister of Education : Abraham Iyambo (until 2 February 2013), David Namwandi (from 21 February 2013)
  • Deputy: David Namwandi (until 20 February 2013), Silvia Makgone (from 21 February 2013)^[21]
• Minister of Lands and Resettlement: Alpheus ǃNaruseb
  • Deputy: Theo Diergaardt (appointed January 2011)^[22]
• Minister of Works and Transport: Erkki Nghimtina
  • Deputy: Chief Samuel Ankama (2010–2012), Chief Kilus Nguvauva (2012–2015)^[19]
• Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry: John Mutorwa
  • Deputy: Petrus Iilonga (2010–2012), Lempy Lucas (2012^[19] -2015^[3])
• Minister of Environment and Tourism: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (2010–2012), Uahekua Herunga (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Uahekua Herunga (2010–2012), Pohamba Shifeta (2012–)^[19]
• Minister of Labour and Social Welfare: Immanuel Ngatjizeko (2010–2012), Doreen Sioka (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Alpheus Muheua
• Minister of Veterans' Affairs: Nickey Iyambo
  • Deputy: Hilma Nicanor (appointed in January 2011)^[22]
• Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare: Doreen Sioka (2010–2012), Rosalia Nghidinwa (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Angelika Muharukua
• Minister of Information and Information Technology: Joel Kaapanda
  • Deputy: Stanley Simataa
• Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources: Bernard Esau
  • Deputy: Chief Kilus Nguvauva (2010–2012), Chief Samuel Ankama (2012–2015)^[19]
• Minister of Mines and Energy: Isak Katali
  • Deputy: Willem Isaacks
• Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture: Kazenambo Kazenambo (2010–2012), Jerry Ekandjo (2012–2015)^[19]
  • Deputy: Pohamba Shifeta (2010–2012), Juliet Kavetuna (2012–2015)^[19]
• Auditor General: Junias Kandjeke^[23]

2005–2010

Below is a list of the cabinet of the Republic of Namibia from appointment in 2005 until replacement in 2010:

• President: Hifikepunye Pohamba
• Prime Minister: Nahas Angula
• Deputy-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Marco Hausiku
• Minister of Defense: Major General Charles Ndaxu Namoloh
• Minister of Veterans Affairs: Ngarikutuke Tjiriange
• Minister of Education: Nangolo Mbumba
  • Deputy: Rebecca Ndjoze-Ojo
• Minister of Finance: Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
• Minister of Safety and Security: Nickey Iyambo
• Minister of Trade and Industry: Immanuel Ngatjizeko (2005–2008), Hage Geingob (2008–2010)^[24]
  • Deputy: Bernhardt Esau
• Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration: Rosalia Nghidinwa
• Minister of Information and Broadcasting: Joel Kaapanda
  • Deputy: Raphael Dinyando
• Minister of Justice: Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana
• Minister of Mines and Energy: Erkki Nghimtina
• Minister of Labour and Social Welfare: Immanuel Ngatjizeko
  • Deputy: Petrus Iilonga
• Minister of Health and Social Service: Richard Kamwi
• Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Forestry: John Mutorwa
• Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources: Abraham Iyambo
• Minister of Environment and Tourism: Willem Konjore (until 2008)^[25] Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
• Minister of Lands and Resettlement: Alpheus ǃNaruseb
• Minister of Local and Regional Government, Housing and Rural Development: Jerry Ekandjo
  • Deputy: Kazenambo Kazenambo
• Minister of Works, Transport and Communication: Helmut Angula
  • Deputy: Paulus Kapia until October 2005, then Steve Mogotsi^[26]
• Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare: Marlene Mungunda
  • Deputy: Angelika Muharukua
• Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport, and Culture: Willem Konjore (since 2008)^[27]
  • Deputy: Pohamba Shifeta
• Minister of Presidential Affairs: Albert Kawana
• National Planning Commission Director: Peter Katjavivi
• Namibia Central Intelligence Service Director: Lukas Hangula

2000–2005

The third cabinet of Sam Nujoma was announced on Independence Day 2000.^[28]

1995–2000

The second cabinet under Sam Nujoma was announced on Independence Day 1995.^[29] In 1999 a re-shuffle took place, mainly affecting deputy ministers.^[30]

• President: Sam Nujoma
• Prime Minister: Hage Geingob
• Minister of Mines and Energy: Andimba Toivo ya Toivo (until 1999), Jesaya Nyamu
  • Deputy: Jesaya Nyamu (until 1999), Klaus Dierks

1990–1995

The first cabinet after Namibian independence consisted of 19 ministers appointed by inaugural president Sam Nujoma. In 1991, two further ministries were established:^[31]

• President: Sam Nujoma
• Prime Minister: Hage Geingob
• Attorney-general: Hartmut Ruppel
• Director-general of the National Planning Commission: Zedakia Ngavirue
• Minister of Agriculture: Gert Hanekom (until 1992), Anton von Wietersheim (until 1993), Nangolo Mbumba
• Minister of Defence: Peter Mweshihange
• Minister of Education: Nahas Angula
• Minister of Environment: Niko Bessinger
• Minister of Finance: Otto Herrigel (until 1992), Gert Hanekom
• Minister of Fisheries (established 1991): Helmut Angula
• Minister of Foreign Affairs: Theo-Ben Gurirab
• Minister of Health: Nickey Iyambo
• Minister of Home Affairs: Hifikepunye Pohamba
• Minister of Information: Hidipo Hamutenya (until 1993), Ben Amathila
• Minister of Justice: Ngarikutuke Tjiriange
• Minister of Labour: Hendrik Witbooi
• Minister of Lands: Marco Hausiku
• Minister of Local Government: Libertina Amathila
• Minister of Mines and Energy: Andimba Toivo ya Toivo
• Minister of Trade: Ben Amathila (until 1993), Hidipo Hamutenya
• Minister of Works: Richard Kabajani
• Minister of Youth (established 1991): Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana

References

Literature

• Book: Hopwood , Graham . Guide to Namibian Politics. 2007. Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Windhoek. 978-99916-797-5-4.

Notes and References

1. http://www.orusovo.com/namcon/ The Constitution of the Republic of Namibia
2. News: Mbumba's presence in Cabinet under spotlight . Sasman . Catherine . 22 March 2013 . . 2013-03-25 . https://archive.today/20130413164211/http://www.namibian.com.na/news-articles/national/full-story/archive/2013/march/article/mbumbas-presence-in-cabinet-under-spotlight/ . 2013-04-13 . dead.
3. News: Geingob drops Cabinet surprises . Nakatana . Festus . . 23 March 2020 . 1 .
4. News: Defence minister resigns . Immanuel . Shinovene . 6 April 2021 . .
5. News: Geingob shuffles his pack … Kapofi gets defence, Klazen promoted . Tjitemisa . Kuzeeko . . 22 April 2020 . 1 .
6. News: Geingob reshuffles deputy ministers, sacks Kashikola . Petersen . Shelleygan . 12 September 2023 . . Only online edition.
7. News: Ministry of Public Enterprise merged with Finance Ministry . Staff Reporter . . 1 December 2022 . 0 .
8. News: Costly Democracy . Immanuel . Shinovene . Mongudhi . Tileni . . 20 March 2015 . 1–2 . https://archive.today/20150410104757/http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=24690 . live . 10 April 2015 .
9. News: Deputy ministers announced . . 20 March 2015 .
10. News: President reshuffles Cabinet—Vice President relieved of duties . Matthys . Donald . . 8 February 2018 .
11. News: Presidency keeps 3 deputies . Immanuel . Shinovene . Shapwanale . Ndapewoshali . . 19 February 2018 . 1–2 .
12. News: Deputy ministers reduced . Nakale . Albertina . . 14 February 2018 .
13. News: Geingob gives Andjaba education portfolio . Shikongo . Arlana . . 11 July 2019 . 1 .
14. News: Disgraced ministers resign . Iileka . Sakeus . . 14 November 2019 . 1 . 15 November 2019 . 15 November 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191115070715/https://www.namibian.com.na/85470/read/Disgraced-ministers-resign . dead .
15. News: Haufiku mum on his 'advisory' appointment . Nakale . Albertina . . 21 December 2018 . 1 .
16. News: Swartbooi resigned, not fired – Kapofi. 14 December 2016. New Era. 14 December 2016. 13 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190913113438/https://neweralive.na/2016/12/14/swartbooi-resigned-not-fired-kapofi/. dead.
17. News: President appoints new deputy for lands. 15 December 2016. The Namibian.
18. News: Andjaba appointed presidential affairs minister . . 5 April 2019 .
19. News: Transition team picked. Shipanga. Selma. Immanuel. Shinovene. 5 December 2012. The Namibian. 27 December 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131228002035/http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?archive_id=103168&page_type=archive_story_detail&page=525. 28 December 2013. live.
20. News: Karuaihe-Martin tipped for top finance job . Duddy . Jo-Mare . 8 April 2013 . . 2013-04-09 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130410235817/http://www.namibian.com.na/news/full-story/archive/2013/april/article/karuaihe-martin-tipped-for-top-finance-job . 2013-04-10 . dead.
21. News: Pohamba confirms Namwandi . Immanuel . Shinovene . 22 February 2013 . . 2013-02-22 . https://archive.today/20130413160114/http://www.namibian.com.na/news-articles/national/full-story/archive/2013/february/article/pohamba-confirms-namwandi/ . 2013-04-13 . dead.
22. http://www.namibian.com.na/news-articles/national/full-story/archive/2011/january/article/pohamba-appoints-2-deputy-ministers/ Pohamba appoints 2 deputy ministers
23. http://www.namibian.com.na/news/full-story/archive/2010/march/article/namibias-new-cabinet-announced/ Namibia’s new Cabinet announced
24. Kuvee Kangueehi, "Cabinet Shake Up", New Era (allAfrica.com), April 9, 2008.
25. Web site: Konjore Willem . . 1 August 2020 . 10 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200810222924/https://www.parliament.na/index.php/4th-national-assembly-2005-2010/677-konjore-willem-4th . dead .
26. News: Stefanus Mogotsi nimmt Kapias Stelle ein. Stefanus Mogotsi takes Kapia's position. de. 24 October 2005. Allgemeine Zeitung.
27. https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5472.htm Background Note: Namibia
28. Web site: Chronology of Namibian History, 2000 . Dierks . Klaus . Klaus Dierks . klausdierks.com . 30 April 2022.
29. Web site: Chronology of Namibian History, 1995 . Dierks . Klaus . Klaus Dierks . klausdierks.com . 30 April 2022.
30. News: Two-prong strategy in latest reshuffle . 23 December 2021 . . 29 March 1999.
31. News: Namibia's First Cabinet . 6–7 . 30th Independence anniversary supplement to several Namibian newspapers . March 2020.