Ester MbatheraÂ
President Nangolo Mbumba held a farewell lunch with State House staff on Thursday, to mark the end of his tenure as he prepares to hand over the presidency to President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on 21 March.
Mbumba, who became the first Namibian president to complete the term of a predecessor who passed away while in office, reflected on his time in office during the event.
The farewell program was officiated by Inge Zaamwani, Presidential Advisor on Constitutional Matters and Private Sector Interface, and featured musical performances by Kalux and King Tee Dee.
Attendees included Khomas Regional Governor, Laura McLeod-Katjirua and Christine //Hoebes, Minister in the Presidency, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Presidency.
President-elect Nandi-Ndaitwah also addressed the gathering before Mbumba delivered his final speech to the staff.
Mbumba, a seasoned politician and long-serving member of government, assumed the presidency under extraordinary circumstances following the passing of President Hage Geingob on 4 February 2024.
His tenure has been described as marked by continuity and stability, as he worked to fulfil Geingob’s vision for Namibia while laying the groundwork for the incoming administration.
The farewell event symbolises the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter under Nandi-Ndaitwah, who will be sworn in on 21 March.
Mbumba’s leadership during this transitional period has been widely praised for maintaining stability and ensuring a smooth transition of power.
