Allexer Namundjembo
Pijoo Nganate, the governor of the Omaheke region, was the only person in his position to be reappointed, as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah named seven new regional governors on Monday.
Speaking at State House, Nganate said he was grateful to continue serving and focused on completing ongoing development work.
His reappointment comes after recent criticism from a local report that labelled him the “poorest governor”.
“The criticisms are my encouragement to do more. We’ve laid a strong foundation for food production in Omaheke, and many farmers are eager to participate,” he said.
He said the region has made progress in addressing malnutrition.
Micronutrients are being distributed to children and vulnerable groups, and the Innovation Kitchen in Gobabis has played a key role in tackling food insecurity.
“In this new term, we’ll focus on adding value to the programmes we have already started,” he said.
Reflecting on his past term, Nganate said he had spent most of his time establishing food production hubs and sees the new term as a chance to finish what he started.
“I’m the only special advisor who was retained and elevated to the position of governor. This is truly God at work,” he said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah also appointed Kadiva Hamutumwa, a former NamWater executive, as the new governor for Ohangwena.
Other appointments include Hofni Iipinge for Oshana, former deputy minister Nathalia /Goagoses for Erongo, Dawid Gertze of the //Haboben Traditional Authority for ||Karas, Immanuel Shikongo for Omusati, and Dorothy Kabula for Zambezi.
Former Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Hidipo Hamata welcomed Hamutumwa’s appointment and urged citizens to support her leadership.
“This appointment is not just a change in leadership, it is an opportunity to renew our collective commitment to service and regional development,” Hamata said in a statement.
“Fellow citizens, regardless of our political affiliation, let us unite behind her with unwavering support and a shared political will to move Ohangwena forward. Our region deserves leaders and communities working together, not against each other.”
“Now is the time to rise above division and strengthen our unbreakable commitment to the wellbeing of all who call Ohangwena home,” he said.
The newly appointed governors are expected to be sworn in soon as part of efforts to strengthen regional leadership and drive development across Namibia.
