Staff Reporter
PRESIDENT Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has emphasised discipline as the cornerstone of military professionalism and operational effectiveness, while calling for a coordinated response to substance abuse within the Namibian Defence Force (NDF).
The President concluded an extensive familiarisation visit at the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade in Windhoek, where she reminded troops of their responsibility to protect the Central Region, including the capital city, key institutions and national installations.
“I believe we all know that the 21 Infantry Brigade is the formation of the Namibian Defence Force which is entrusted with the responsibility to protect the Central Region of Namibia, including Windhoek, the capital city, key institutions and national installations. Therefore, this responsibility demands the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, integrity, vigilance and unwavering loyalty to the Republic of Namibia and its people,” she said.
Photos: The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs
Chief of the Defence Force Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas commended the President for personally engaging with NDF members at all levels, saying her visit demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the Force.
“Your Excellency, this level of commitment to national duty demonstrates the character of a leader who truly cares for the welfare of the Force, and as a Defence Force, we are honoured to have you as our Commander-in-Chief,” he said.
The President was accompanied during the familiarisation visit by Defence Minister Frans Kapofi, Finance Minister Erica Shafudah, Minister in the Presidency Dr Charles Mubita, National Planning Commission Director-General Dr Ambassador Kaire Mbuende, President’s Economic Advisor Shali Shidume, Pinehas and senior NDF leadership.
The Presidency said the visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a professional, disciplined and combat-ready Defence Force capable of serving and protecting Namibia and its people.
The visit saw President Nandi-Ndaitwah engage with senior defence officials and personnel across various NDF formations, including the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA), Army Headquarters, Air Force Headquarters, Navy Headquarters, Namibia Special Forces, the Namibia Command and Staff College, the NDF Training Establishment and the 21 Motorised Infantry Brigade.
The Presidency said the visit was aimed at enabling the Commander-in-Chief to gain first-hand insight into the operational capabilities of the Force, the conditions under which members serve, and the infrastructure and equipment supporting the NDF’s constitutional mandate.
At MODVA headquarters, President Nandi-Ndaitwah was received by Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi, Chief of the Defence Force Air Marshal Martin Kambulu Pinehas, Executive Director Annely Haiphene and senior ministry officials.
Kapofi provided an overview of the ministry’s role in safeguarding national security, while Haiphene briefed the President on the ministry’s structure, the August 26 Holding Company and budget-related challenges.
Pinehas further outlined the NDF’s organisational structure, current operations, future plans and challenges, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to executing its constitutional responsibilities despite existing constraints.
