Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila opens Third Session of Eighth Parliament

By Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, member of parliament (MP) and speaker of the National Assembly, Windhoek. Tuesday, 3 February 2026

___________________________________________________________

Good afternoon!

It is my honour and privilege to welcome you all to the opening of the third session of the eighth parliament of the Republic of Namibia. Since it is the beginning of the new year, let me also convey to you new year’s greetings and extend best wishes for the year.

I extend a special welcome to the president. We appreciate her presence here today to commission the annual programme of our parliament.

Since this is the first joint sitting of parliament since the assumption of duty of the seventh National Council, I extend, on behalf of the National Assembly, warm congratulations to Lucas Muha and other National Council members on their election and re-election to the national house of legislative review and wish them a successful tenure. We look forward to working with you as we pursue our joint mandate as a legislative house of our democratic republic.

I wish to recognise the presence of the former presiding officers and deputy presiding officer of the two chambers of parliament and thank them for taking time from their private time to join us here today.

Today’s gathering is not a mere ceremonial event, but it is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to the principles of democracy, accountability and service to the people of Namibia. The theme guiding this session, ‘Enhancing the Role of Parliament for Inclusive Development and Participatory Democracy’, is both timely and profound. It reminds us that parliament is not merely a legislative body, but a living institution that must continuously evolve to meet the aspirations of our citizens.

Democracy is not sustained merely through the mechanics of checks and balances, it thrives through the principle of complementarity. Our gathering today is a demonstration of that complementarity, an affirmation that, while each institution is autonomous, none stands apart. Autonomy does not imply isolation; rather, it signifies distinct responsibilities that, when harmonised, strengthen the democratic order.

This complementarity is embedded in the very design of governance: the executive initiates policy through the drafting of bills, the legislature deliberates and enacts those laws, and the judiciary ensures their interpretation and enforcement. Each branch fulfils a unique mandate, yet together they form a coherent system that safeguards justice, accountability, and the rule of law.

It is, therefore, imperative that we work in a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. The separation of powers was never intended to fragment authority, but to optimise democracy by ensuring that each organ reinforces the other.

As the late president Hage Geingob often reminded us, these three organs form a trinity, a trinity that embodies the essence of democratic governance. In embracing this trinity, not as competitors but as partners, we uphold the integrity of our institutions and advance the collective good of our nation.

The Namibian Constitution, hailed as one of the best in the world, is not merely a legal document, it is our nation’s moral compass, the embodiment of our shared vision for peace, unity, justice and prosperity.

As we gear up to commemorate our Constitution Day in a few days, it is fitting to begin by acknowledging our progress, for indeed, we have come a long way. From a land divided into Bantustans and characterised by racial hierarchy, we have grown into a unified republic under the banner of national reconciliation. The Constitution gave us the tools to heal old wounds, to embrace coexistence, and to forge a common future. We must recommit ourselves to constitutionalism, not just as a legal framework, but as a living covenant with our people.

Inclusive development demands that no Namibian is left behind. It requires us to ensure that policies, laws and budgets reflect the realities of all communities. Parliament must serve as the guardian of equity, ensuring that development is not concentrated in a few sectors or places, but spreads across the nation to uplift every household.

Participatory democracy calls upon us to deepen the engagement between parliament and the people. Besides legislating, we must incorporate the voices of our citizens into the decisions we make and ensure implementation of the commitments we make. Mechanisms such as digital platforms must be strengthened to bridge the gap between the electorate and their representatives. In doing so, we reaffirm that democracy is not an event, but a continuous dialogue.

The role of parliament in this regard is pivotal. We must exercise our mandate with integrity, ensuring transparency and accountability. At the same time, we must foster collaboration across party lines, recognising that our shared duty is to advance Namibia’s development and safeguard its democracy.

As we embark on this third session, let us as MPs recommit ourselves to the values that define our parliament: inclusivity, participation and service. Let us embrace innovation in our legislative processes and uphold the dignity of this House as a beacon of democracy. The challenges before us require unity of purpose and clarity of vision.

As we open this session, may we be guided by the conviction that parliament is the people’s House and its strength lies in its ability to reflect the will, hopes and aspirations of all Namibians.

Having said that, it is now my distinct honour and privilege to invite the president of the Republic of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to deliver her address.

Madam President, you have the floor.

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.