Acceptance speech by Lukas Sinimbo Muha as chairperson of the 7th National Council

National Council, Parliament of Namibia, 12 December 2025

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Good morning.

I take this seat today with deep humility and profound gratitude, having once again been entrusted with the responsibility of presiding over this august house for the next five years. This renewed mandate is not merely a personal privilege, but a solemn responsibility to serve our nation with integrity, diligence and unwavering commitment.

I begin by expressing my gratitude to my Creator, Almighty God, who has carried me from birth to this very day. His love, mercy and grace have sustained me, and without Him I would not be here.

To the newly elected members of the National Council, I extend my sincere appreciation for the confidence you have placed in me. Your trust reflects our shared determination to strengthen the democratic foundations of this institution, and I pledge to work alongside you in advancing the aspirations of the people we lead.

To the Swapo Party, I express my appreciation for granting me a second opportunity to serve as chairperson and a third opportunity to serve as a regional councillor. Your confidence reinforces my dedication to the principles and vision that have guided our nation since independence.

To my fellow regional councillors of Kavango West, I am deeply indebted to you for electing me to represent our region in the National Council. Your trust is a responsibility I will carry with diligence and pride.

To the inhabitants of Mankumpi constituency, I owe special gratitude. Your unwavering support and repeated uncontested victories are a testament to our shared vision for progress and unity. I pledge to continue serving you with integrity and commitment.

I hereby accept the responsibility bestowed upon me through the recently concluded elections, which were uncontested. As chairperson, I solemnly commit to undertaking the constitutional mandate of this council in representation, legislation and oversight with seriousness and dedication. I will safeguard the decorum of this house, ensuring that our debates remain respectful, constructive and focused on advancing the interests of all Namibians.

This council belongs to its members, and it is our collective responsibility to uphold and advance its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of democratic governance. Together, we will build on the foundations laid by those who came before us, ensuring that the National Council remains responsive and relevant.

In fulfilling this mandate, we are expected to collaborate closely with other institutions, including our sister house, the National Assembly, and other organs of state. We must also deepen and expand our existing relationship with all regional councils.

At the conclusion of the sixth National Council, a legacy report was developed. This report should serve not only as a compass but also as an institutional archive. I am confident that it will guide us throughout our five-year journey.

During this journey, members are encouraged to consistently refer to other guiding instruments, including the Namibian Constitution, the National Council strategic plan and the National Council rules and orders.

As I conclude, I wish to inform members that several bills have been introduced in the National Assembly and will soon be referred to this house. These include the mental health bill, the regional councils amendment bill, the land bill and the public enterprises governance amendment bill. Members are encouraged to obtain copies in preparation for the upcoming sessions.

May our work in this house reflect the hopes and aspirations of every Namibian. May we continue to serve with humility, wisdom and unity.

I thank you. May God bless you all.

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