President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has appointed a relative of hers, retired chief legal adviser Chris Nghaamwa, as an adviser to attorney general Festus Mbandeka.
Presidential spokesperson Jonas Mbambo yesterday confirmed the appointment, saying Nghaamwa had been appointed as an adviser in the Office of the Attorney General with effect from 1 June.
Nghaamwa’s appointment has not been announced publicly, while State House played down concerns around the appointment of a relative of the president.
“While it is not disputed that Mr Nghaamwa is related to president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, any suggestion that a familial relationship in itself renders an individual unsuitable for public service would be misplaced,” Mbambo said.
He said Nghaamwa is a highly experienced legal professional who has served the government in the Office of the Attorney General in various capacities over many years.
“His qualifications, experience and record of public service are well known,” Mbambo said.
“Appointments of special advisers are made in terms of the Constitution and applicable law and are based on the needs and requirements of the public service, taking into account the experience, expertise and professional skills of the person being appointed,” he said.
The Presidency last week announced the appointment of Shali Shidume as presidential economic advisor.
Nghaamwa’s appointment took effect on the same date, however, it is not clear why this was not made public.
Nghaamwa was appointed a chief legal officer in the attorney general’s office in 2009.
He retired from the public service in June 2024 but returned to the Office of the Attorney General three months after his retirement.
Nghaamwa yesterday said: “I referred your questions to Mr Jonas Mbambo, the spokesperson at the Office of the President.”
Mbandeka yesterday said the president is empowered by the Constitution to make certain appointments, including those of special advisers.
“It is on that basis that Mr Chris Nghaamwa has been appointment as an adviser in the attorney general’s office with effect from 1 June 2026, and he is appointed at the behest of the president, like any other presidential appointment,” he said.
Mbandeka said such appointments are based on the needs and requirements of the particular office and the government in general.
“Further considerations are also given to the person’s professional credentials, skills, expertise and experience in relation to the mandate of the office to which he is being appointed – in this case the Office of the Attorney General and the government,” he said.
Mbandeka said Nghaamwa has served the public service in a legal advisory role at the highest level in the attonery general’s office for over 30 years and has built up vast experience and expertise in various legal fields.
He added that Nghaamwa’s appointment is not unique or the first in the government as there have been similar appointments in other offices, ministries and agencies – both under the previous and current administrations.
In 2017, Nghaamwa was one of the top senior government officials charged with negligence, failure to protect the state and to act in the interest of government over their roles regarding a controversial N$5.5-billion oil storage facility.
Nghaamwa was cleared of any wrongdoing after a disciplinary hearing.
His lawyer at the time, Elia Shikongo, said his client was found innocent and was absolved of blame.
The Namibian reported at the time that Nghaamwa was considered a close ally of former justice minister Sacky Shanghala.
He is a former board member of TransNamib, which awarded a lucrative rail contract to James Hatuikulipi’s D&M Rail Construction when Nghaamwa was a board member.
‘AKWARD STEPS’
Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani yesterday criticised the appointment, saying Nandi-Ndaitwah is taking “awkward steps” undermining confidence in governance.
“Appointing her relatives and tribesmen in nearly all key positions is an awfully wrong approach. She is sending a message to the country, saying: Be close to me, be Kwanyama, job is yours,” Venaani said.
“I personally warned her against such tendencies and she has not proven me wrong. To her I say: Be careful, Meme President, be sensitive.”
Political analyst Henning Melber says Nghaamwa’s qualification to be appointed as legal adviser to the attorney general must be made public in full detail.
He says if there is no “crystal clear, convincing transparency and accountability” regarding recruitment procedures and the decision, the president should not be surprised if accusations of nepotism arise.
