THE resounding victory achieved by the SWAPO party in the recent Regional and Local Authorities elections serves as a clear call from the people to all those in positions of responsibility — both political office-bearers and civil servants — to make greater efforts in delivering quality services.
This was highlighted by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during the first Cabinet Retreat of the 8th Administration, held under the theme, “Enhancing Policy Coordination, Governance, and Service Delivery for Accelerated National Development,” at the NIPAM Campus in Windhoek on Thursday.
Photos: Namibian Presidency.
The President’s speech follows verbatim:
“It has been eight months plus since we were sworn in as members of the Cabinet and Governors for the 8th Administration, where it is ‘business unusual’. I want to thank all of you for your hard work collectively and individually. Clearly your hard work has not gone unnoticed by our people, hence the resounding victory gained by SWAPO party, the ruling party following the just held Regional and local Authorities election. And I sincerely thank all of you for the job well done. However, such a victory must not be taken for granted; it is a further call by our people to all of us in positions of responsibility both political office bearers and civil servants, to make extra efforts to bring about quality service delivery.
Accordingly, on this occasion, we step back, reflect, and realign our collective efforts. That is to say, this retreat provides a strategic platform to sharpen our focus, strengthen cohesion, and recommit ourselves to the priorities that matter the most to the Namibian nation, as articulated in the SWAPO party Election Manifesto and operationalise in NDP6.
Against that backdrop, I urge you all to share insights on issues central to strengthening governance and improving service delivery, aimed at improving the quality of life and livelihoods of all Namibians.
Looking at the agenda before us, the discussions will cover both the political and administrative interface between political heads and all other sectors, aiming to enrich our collective understanding and provide a strong foundation for our common approach to reach our goals in the service of our people.
Director of Ceremonies,
The theme, “Enhancing Policy Coordination, Governance and Service Delivery for Accelerated National Development,” is not only timely but it is also instructive. This reminds us of our collective responsibility to initiate policies that respond to the needs of all Namibians, while reviewing laws, policies, and regulations that hamper the effective implementation of plans and programmes.
Equally, the theme calls on us to strengthen alignment in decisionmaking, improve coordination across OMAs, refine governance structures, and ensure that policy development and service delivery move in unison to produce tangible outcomes for the people in informal settlements, villages, towns, and municipalities across Namibia. I have no doubt that different presenters will go deeper on subject matters to assist us to handle issues of national interest from an informed position, which will be translated into effective implementation.
I must emphasize that implementation requires effective execution and must be the heartbeat of the 8th Administration. Good policies without implementation are just as as good as nothing ,as they do not change people’s lives. It is therefore my considered opinion that from this retreat we will be more sharpened to move with urgency, beyond planning into action, delivering practical results that citizens can feel and see.
It is my hope that from our discussions in the two days at our disposal, we will appreciate the important of inter-ministerial collaboration, and embrace joint planning where responsibilities overlap. As we may all know, united, coordinated approach will always yield better outcomes.
Director of Ceremonies,
We meet at a time when economic transformation is essential and job creation, particularly for the youth, must remain at the forefront.
Therefore from this retreat we must be able to further identify all challenges and turn them into opportunities to meet the promises we made to our people including job creation.
As we start this retreat it is important to be underscored that national unity and social cohesion remain the foundation of our country’s stability. The Cabinet must continue to promote unity, respect, and cooperation across all sectors of society. Our tone, our decisions, and our public engagements shape the national atmosphere. Let us continue upholding Namibia’s values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Ethical leadership is non-negotiable. Corruption, in all its forms, undermines public trust and diverts resources meant for development. As leaders, we must demonstrate integrity, transparency, and moral clarity. Every public resource must be managed with care, and every decision must reflect fairness and accountability. Our example as Cabinet members, Deputy Ministers, Governors and senior civil servants must inspire confidence throughout the public service.
The work we do today is not for ourselves, but for future generations. I expect that each of us leads with purpose, guided by the belief that a stronger Namibia is possible through collective effort.
Director of Ceremonies,
As I conclude, I call upon all of you to approach these two days of meeting here with renewed energy, focus, and unity of purpose. Our takeaways from this gathering will definitely ignite our mindset as we proceed to the 2026 Cabinet for continuous improved service delivery to the Namibian people.
The success of the 8th Administration depends on our ability to work together, to act decisively, and to deliver on the promises we, as the leaders, have made to the Namibian people, through the SWAPO Party Election Manifesto and it’s Implementation Plan, which has been translated into NDP6. Let us use this retreat as a turning point for enhanced performance and strengthened commitment to service.
Let me also thank all our presenters and our directors/ facilities for having accepted to help us to go through our program. Your service and commitment to the wellbeing of our people is highly appreciated. I now declare the 2025 Cabinet retreat officially open.”
