Riaan McNab

Hardap governor Riaan McNab says he aims to bolster food security and industrial growth through unified leadership and the implementation of key developmental projects across the region in 2026.

• What were the last three things you spent money on?

The three things I would not spend money on are cars, expensive clothing and unnecessary travelling.

• What was the last text you sent?

Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Love each other. Look out out for each other, because sharing is caring.

• What were your key projects in 2025?

My role as governor is to honour the vision of president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, my appointing authority, and to serve the interests of my residents by making sure we create jobs and take our people out of poverty.

Also monitoring all government offices and agencies in the region for them to work in unity and harmony with good ethical leadership principles and to establish strong monitoring strategies for the speedy implementation of all budgets through capital projects, government programmes and projects to the benefit of the inhabitants of the Hardap region.

Agriculture is our strength in the region, and it is my focus to make sure we empower our young people, farmers and business community to play their part collectively to ensure food security and self-sustainability.

Our first seven months were crucial to build capacity for our youth by establishing educational institutions in the region, such as Lingua International Training College at Rehoboth and Africa Institutional Management Services at Stampriet, and strengthening the Johanna Jacobs Vocational Training Centre (VTC) at Gibeon, as well as turning the Kheikanaxab Youth Centre into a fully fledged VTC.

• What did 2025 teach you?

That every decision needs Godly wisdom. Also to have more patience, consult more broadly and listen more carefully to make informed decisions.

• What is the single most important line that defined your outlook in 2025?

Hard work.

• If artificial intelligence (AI) could magically fix one everyday task for you, what would you pick?

Work in unity, because unity of purpose works in the interest of all.

• What song did you listen to the most this year?

‘God Will Work it Out’.

• What puts your office or sector in the spotlight?

Agriculture and tourism is our lifeline in the region and we need to create more industries, like mining, fisheries and the creative industry, to bring sustainability to the lives of our people.

• What is your dream Namibian holiday destination?

The farm.

• What was the toughest decision you had to make in 2025, and why?

The regional council and local authority elections. The malicious spreading of fake information and character assissination through social media platforms and the petition handover of the Landless People’s Movement.

• What is your top priority for Namibia in 2026?

My biggest goal for 2026 is to make sure we work hard in unity to meet the targets as set out in our Swapo Party manifesto and the sixth National Development Plan. Therefore strengthening the aims and objectives of Swapo by uniting all Namibians – irrespective of race, religion, sex or ethnic origin – to enhance an inclusive and peaceful society.

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