President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Addresses the Staff of the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy

Windhoek, 26 October 2025

I wanted to speak to you personally today, because I know that recent developments in the ministry may have come as a surprise to many of you. It is natural to feel uncertain when changes occur. I want to assure you that there is no reason to be fearful. This is not a time to worry. It is a time for renewal, reflection and rededication to the important work that we are all here to do.When I took the oath of office on 21 March 2025, I said that operations within this administration would not be business as usual. That was not a slogan. It was a promise and a commitment to doing things differently and to building on raising the standard of public service across government.Some of you had the opportunity to attend or follow the recent Namibia Public-Private Forum. That forum gave us a clear and honest picture of what must be done for the government to make it easier to do business, grow industries and create jobs. I am sure that those who attended or followed on NBC now have a better understanding of what is expected from this ministry in terms of turning the fortunes of our economy around. That responsibility starts here and it starts with all of us.Each of us, no matter our position or title, has a role to play in that national mission. There is no such thing as a small job in public service. Whether you are a cleaner, a driver, a security guard, a receptionist or an administrator, you are part of a larger purpose. Without you, this ministry cannot function. Without you, the goals of national development cannot become reality.The work you do matters. Every file you process, every report you complete, every person you assist contributes to the bigger picture of progress in our country. That is why we must take pride in what we do and do it with urgency, discipline and excellence.That is why our work must have meaning. When you come to work, remember that your effort is part of a bigger purpose. We are not here to process papers or merely follow procedures. We are here to serve the Namibian people, to give them dignity and to make their lives easier.Change can be uncomfortable, but it is not meant to unsettle you. It is meant to strengthen us and remind us why we serve. I have taken responsibility for this ministry to ensure stability, renewed focus and a stronger sense of purpose. But as I do so, I want to make it clear that this ministry does not depend on one person. It depends on all of us, working together with dedication and unity.I want to encourage you to keep bringing enthusiasm, commitment and positive energy to your work every day. Do not lose heart. Continue to serve with pride and passion. You are all leaders in your own right. Leadership is not about position. It is about attitude, responsibility and consistency. Lead from where you are. Lead through your example, through your discipline and through the quality of your work.That is what true public service is about. It is about giving people hope, restoring trust and proving that the government can deliver with care and efficiency.I will continue to maintain an open-door policy. I welcome your ideas, your creativity and your honest input. Together, we can build a ministry that is efficient, responsive and truly people-centred. We must all know that we can only create jobs and take our people out of poverty when we create a strong industrial economic base in our country. Hence, industrial growth is one of the main functions of this ministry.As we move forward, let us remember that it cannot be business as usual. Let us give our best, go the extra mile and serve with empathy and integrity. Let our actions speak for us. Let us work as one team, united by one purpose to improve the lives of the Namibian people.Together, we can turn this moment of change into a moment of progress and pride. Together, we can show that this ministry stands as a pillar of hope, a place where public service truly works for the people of Namibia.I look for your cooperation at all times.Thank you.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.