Presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari bids farewell to State House after serving seven years.
Speaking to The Namibian yesterday, Hengari said it has been a privilege to serve as spokesperson in the Presidency.
“It has been a long time in this highly demanding assignment. During that period, I worked with three exceptional leaders of the Namibian people – president Hage Geingob, president Nangolo Mbumba and now president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“I express gratitude to them for the confidence they expressed in me to serve at their behest,” said Hengari.
Hengari confirmed that president Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed Jonas Mbambo as the new press secretary and spokesperson of the Presidency effective 1 August.
Mbambo is a seasoned media professional and holds a law degree from the People’s Friendship University of Russia in Moscow.
“With strong analytical skills and knowledge of the political landscape. Mbambo brings a wealth of knowledge gained in media and specifically broadcasting journalism,” said Hengari.
He added that the president has confidence in the ability of Mbambo to carry out his duties with success.
Hengari stated that the president also extended appreciation to him for his dedicated years of service during his tenure and wished him well in his future endeavours.
“I have experienced different leadership styles, but they all shared profound commitment to hard work, infectious love for the nation and passion for a fair and just society.
I leave the Presidency at a time of great hope for the nation and a remarkable commitment and energy by the president to transform the socio-economic architecture of the country.
“I am confident that better days lie ahead for our people under her industrious leadership,” he said.
Hengari media are vital stakeholders in the furtherance of the country’s developmental agenda. “President Geingob used to caution that the press should not become a lapdog, serving factional interests, and should remain a watchdog.
‘‘President Nandi-Ndaitwah reminded the media and the press that they are the fourth arm of government,” said Hengari.
In his view, this implies heavy but crucial responsibilities that should not be dwarfed by opinion journalism and sensational reporting, but should instead be a commitment to a craft that can equally accompany Namibians positively in the transformational journey.
