Until yesterday Nujoma had assumed responsibility for the Information Ministry.

In a mini Cabinet shake-up, Nujoma appointed Director General of the National Planning Commission, Saara Kuugongelwa, as the new Finance Minister.

Sources close to State House said Nujoma had initially planned to move Mbumba to the position of Deputy Prime Minister.

But, Mbumba apparently asked Nujoma to make him deputy PM in charge of the National Planning Commission.

Hendrik Witbooi, who has long been rumoured to be stepping down as Deputy Prime Minister because of ill health has however shown no desire to give up the post yet, leaving Nujoma with limited choices for Mbumba.

Mbumba was on official business at Opuwo yesterday morning when Nujoma announced the Cabinet reshuffle to the media.

Sources said State House on Wednesday faxed Mbumba's appointment letter to the office of Kunene Regional Governor Samson Tjongarero to pass on to the new Information Minister.

In other new appointments, Nujoma appointed Deputy Justice Minister Albert Kawana as Minister, replacing Ngarikutuke Tjiriange who is to concentrate of Swapo matters as the ruling party's Secretary General.

Tjiriange will, however, still enjoy his ministerial benefits as he was made Minister without Portfolio.

Kawana was pleased with the promotion and thanked Nujoma and the nation "for having brought me where I am".

Immanuel Ngatjizeko, formerly deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, was appointed new Director General of the NPC.

He previously served as Swapo's Secretary for Finance and had a stint as Windhoek Mayor.

Henock ya Kasita, a member of the National Council and Swapo's chief whip, was appointed Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy in the place of Ngatjizeko.

Fisheries and Marine Resources Deputy Minister Alpheus Naruseb was named as the new Justice deputy Minister.

His replacement at Fisheries will be named at a later stage.

A sombre-looking Nujoma called in the new appointees one by one as he briefed them about their new duties while a packed media room waited for about 25 minutes to officially hear the news.

The President did not take any questions from the media after reading his statement.

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