Allexer Namundjembo
The appointment of new deputy ministers has triggered debate over whether formal qualifications should carry more weight in senior government positions.
The criticism has focused on the newly appointed deputy minister of justice and labour relations, Theresia Brandt.
Brandt also serves as the councillor for Daures Constituency and a member of the National Council.
Her profile on the National Council portal does not list any formal qualification, prompting questions from some members of the public about her suitability for the portfolio.
Former Omuthiya councillor Nghipudilo ya Shiindi is among those who publicly questioned the appointment.
“We are not talking about just any ministry; we are talking about the Labour and Law ministry,” YaShiindi said in one of her posts on social media.
Political analyst Sackaria Johannes said the appointment of people without formal education to senior government roles reflects a wider national problem.
“We have a number of graduates, for example, people who studied law, public administration, public policy, etc., in our streets,” Johannes said while responding to questions by the Windhoek Observer.
He said the country continues to place people without formal qualifications in positions that require technical understanding and policy knowledge.
“We appoint uneducated leaders to implement formal policies that require formal education,” he added.
Johannes said the government should consider introducing measures to discourage such appointments.
“We have to come up with a policy that will discourage such appointments,” he added.
Another political analyst, Ndumba Kamwanyah, said the issue is more complex and cannot be judged on qualifications alone.
He said the absence of a university qualification does not automatically mean a person will fail the office.
“Some individuals gain strong skills through work experience rather than formal education. However, a lack of qualifications can be a concern if it means the person does not have the necessary knowledge or ability to understand complex policy issues,” Kamwanyah said to the Windhoek Observer on Sunday.
He said government positions require strong analytical and decision-making skills and that both competence and experience matter.
“So, it really depends on the individual. If they have relevant experience and competence, they may perform well. But if both qualifications and experience are lacking, it could negatively affect their performance,” he said.
Justice and labour relations executive director Audrin Mathe also entered the debate over the weekend, defending the appointments on social media and pushing back against claims that uneducated people had been placed in key positions.
He said politics cannot be measured only through formal education and argued that many educated Namibians avoid active political participation.
“The President has the constitutional power to co-opt these specific nominees by virtue of their unique skills and expertise, ensuring that the government benefits from specialised knowledge that might not otherwise emerge through the standard electoral process,” Mathe wrote.
He said the Constitution clearly sets out how the executive is formed.
“According to Article 35, ministers and deputy ministers must be drawn from the National Assembly and National Council, respectively. Rather than criticising the latest constitutional appointments, our best bet for national progress is for everyone, especially the educated and skilled among us, to actively participate in political activities,” he wrote.
Mathe added: “If we truly want to make a difference and shape the future of Namibia, we must step into the arena and contribute our expertise to the nation-building process.”
On Thursday, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House made changes to her administration.
She appointed Charles Mubita as minister in the Presidency, while Moses //Khumub was named deputy minister in the office of the vice president.
Other appointments included Hambeleleni Ndjaleka as deputy minister of health and social services, Hans Haikali as deputy minister of works and transport, Anselm Marungu as deputy minister of environment, forestry and tourism, Wenzel Kavaka as deputy minister of information and communication technology, Edward Wambo as deputy minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security; and Brandt as deputy minister of justice and labour relations.
Hilma Nicanor was also appointed as advisor to the minister of defence and veterans affairs.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said the appointments are aimed at improving governance, strengthening coordination and accelerating implementation of government programmes.
When Nandi-Ndaitwah took office in March last year, she made changes and some ministries did not have deputy ministers after structural changes meant to improve efficiency.
The latest appointments, she said, complete that process.
She said most of the appointees were drawn from the National Council following the 2025 regional councils and local authorities elections, with the aim of broadening representation and bringing regional experience into the executive.
She said the new team would be expected to help drive the sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), with focus areas including infrastructure, healthcare, safety and security, job creation and access to public services.
“These are not abstract commitments. They are your key performance indicators,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah also warned that a public office requires discipline, accountability and measurable results.
“Public office is a sacred duty. It demands discipline, accountability, and an unrelenting focus on results,” she said.
She said all appointees must uphold integrity, meritocracy, inclusivity and accountability and place the interests of Namibians above personal considerations.
