Cabinet reshuffles executive directors
Strategic realignment
A major reshuffle was announced in Namibia's ED ranks, with the Prime Minister transferring executive directors across key ministries, effective 1 August.
In a sweeping move aimed at revitalising Namibia’s public service leadership, government has announced the reassignment of several executive directors (EDs) to new ministries, effective 1 August.The move, approved by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission, falls under the Public Service Act of 1995.
Erastus Haitengela has been appointed executive director and accounting officer for education in the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.
Within the same ministry, Gerard Vries will serve as executive director for sport, youth and national service.
The appointments form part of a broader effort to streamline leadership in ministries with overlapping mandates related to youth and education.
Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata will oversee agriculture and land reform within the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform. Teofilus Nghitila has been assigned to focus on water and marine resources in the same ministry.
Meanwhile, Moses Pakote has been appointed executive director in the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy.
Nghidinua Daniel has been transferred from the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security.
Dr Audrin Mathe, previously the ED at the information and communication technology ministry, will take over as executive director and accounting officer in the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations.
It was announced that for the time being, an acting executive director will be appointed at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology to ensure continuity.
Dynamic changes
Not all changes marked a lateral or upward shift.
Ben Nangombe, previously the ED of the industries, mines and energy ministry, has been reassigned to the Office of the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretariat. Notably, his new role does not include accounting functions.
The reshuffle coincided with the retirement of Etienne Maritz, who stepped down as executive director of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security at the end of July after years of service.
While Cabinet congratulated the newly appointed officials, the tone of the announcement suggested the reshuffle was more than routine, signalling a strategic realignment and a subtle shift in influence among senior public servants.