Renthia Kaimbi
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has taken charge of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy after firing Minister Natangue Ithete with immediate effect.
The president’s office announced the decision yesterday. The presidency stated that the decision was made in accordance with Article 32(6) of the Constitution.
The presidency thanked Ithete for his service and confirmed he will remain a member of parliament. It stated that the move reinforces its commitment to “sound governance, accountability, and the effective implementation of national priorities.”
While the official statement did not explain the reasons for the dismissal, the decision has stirred debate in political circles.
Political analyst Sam Kauapirura said the decision caught some people off guard while others saw it coming.
He connected the dismissal to two recent incidents, including a major mining event organised by the EU Embassy, at which important funding agreements were signed.
“Our president had delegated the former DPM… but in the event, he in turn delegated his former executive director, pretty much downgrading the Namibian presence,” Kauapirura said.
The move, he added, demonstrated a lack of leadership and direct engagement.
The second incident involved remarks Ithete made at a Swapo rally in Khorixas, where he allegedly suggested that residents would face hunger if they voted for other parties.
“You don’t expect those kinds of statements… from a sitting member of parliament who has taken an oath to uphold, defend and protect the constitution,” Kauapirura said, calling the comments political blackmail targeting vulnerable citizens.
He said the president’s quick action shows she is firmly in control and expects discipline, professionalism and results from her ministers.
In March, when Nandi-Ndaitwah named her Cabinet, Ithete was appointed as deputy prime minister and minister of industries, mines and energy.
Before joining mainstream politics in 2015, Ithete worked as a valuation and inspection officer at Agribank.
He also held leadership positions in the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL), National Youth Council (NYC), Namibia National Students Organisation (Nanso) and Namibia Financial Institutions Union (Nafinu).
Between 2015 and 2020, Ithete served as deputy minister of finance under former late president Hage Geingob.
He holds qualifications in human resources, labour relations, property finance, economics and banking.
Another political analyst, Ndumba Kamwanyah, said the move signals that something serious may have prompted the president’s decision.
“I think it’s too early to make a final judgement, but the move clearly points to something serious behind the scenes. A president doesn’t just remove a deputy prime minister and key minister without strong reasons,” he said.
Kamwanyah said the action shows that accountability and discipline are priorities for the new administration.
“Whether it’s linked to the alleged remarks or something bigger, it shows that this administration wants to send a message that accountability matters and that leadership positions come with responsibility,” he said.
“It is a reminder that it’s not business as usual anymore.”
The presidency has since announced that Nandi-Ndaitwah will meet staff members at the ministry later today.
