The Cabinet of Namibia is an appointed body that was established by Chapter 6 (Articles 35-42) of the Constitution of Namibia. It is mandated to include the following positions: the President of Namibia, the Prime Minister of Namibia and any positions that the President so appoints.[1]
All cabinet members also sit in the National Assembly. This situation has been criticised by Namibia's civil society and the opposition as creating a significant overlap between executive and legislature, undermining the separation of powers. Moreover, the seniority of cabinet members generally relegate ordinary MPs to the back benches.[2]
List of cabinets of Namibia
Current cabinet (2020–)
The current cabinet was announced on 21 March 2020. Several deputy minister positions have been disestablished as a cost-cutting measure. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has been merged with the Ministry of Land Reform, and the Ministry of Veteran Affairs is now part of Defence.[3] The death of the president in February 2024 necessitated a reshuffle in the top leadership.[4]
- President: Hage Geingob (until 4 February 2024), Nangolo Mbumba
- Vice-President: Nangolo Mbumba (until 4 February 2024), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
- Prime Minister: Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
- Deputy-Prime Minister: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (until 4 February 2024)
- Minister of Presidential Affairs: Christine ǁHoebes
- Deputy for the recognition of the disabled: Alexia Manombe-Ncube
- Deputy for the recognition of marginalised people: Royal ǀUiǀoǀoo
- Minister of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform: Calle Schlettwein
- Deputy: Anna Shiweda
- Attorney General: Festus Mbandeka
- Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs: Peter Vilho (until April 2021),[5] Frans Kapofi[6]
- Deputy: Hilma Nicanor
- Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: Anna Nghipondoka
- Deputy: Faustina Caley
- Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism: Pohamba Shifeta
- Deputy: Heather Sibungo (from April 2021)[6]
- Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises: Iipumbu Shiimi
- Deputy: Maureen Hinda-Mbuende (from April 2021)[6]
- Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources: Albert Kawana (until April 2021), Derek Klazen[6]
- Deputy: Sylvia Makgone
- Minister of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare: Doreen Sioka
- Deputy: Bernadette Jagger
- Deputy: Lucia Witbooi (until September 2023)[7]
- Minister of Health and Social Services: Kalumbi Shangula
- Deputy: Esther Muinjangue (NUDO), the only opposition politician in cabinet
- Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security: Frans Kapofi (until April 2021), Albert Kawana[6]
- Deputy: Daniel Kashikola (until September 2023), Lucia Witbooi[7]
- Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation: Itah Kandjii-Murangi
- Deputy: Veno Kauaria (from April 2021),[6] Natalia ǀGoagoses[7]
- Minister of Industrialization and Trade: Lucia Iipumbu
- Deputy: Verna Sinimbo
- Minister of Information and Communications Technology: Peya Mushelenga until 09 February 2024 Emma Theofelus
- Deputy: Modestus Amutse
- Minister of International Relations and Cooperation: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah until 09 February 2024 Peya Mushelenga
- Deputy: Jennely Matundu
- Minister of Justice: Yvonne Dausab
- Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation: Utoni Nujoma
- Deputy: Hafeni Ndemula
- Minister of Mines and Energy: Tom Alweendo
- Deputy: Kornelia Shilunga
- Director General of the National Planning Commission: Obeth Kandjoze
- Minister of Public Enterprises: Leon Jooste (resigned 31 March 2022) (merged with finance ministry on 1 December 2022)[8]
- Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service: Agnes Tjongarero
- Deputy: Emma Kantema-Gaomas
- Minister of Urban and Rural Development: Erastus Uutoni
- Deputy: Derek Klazen (until April 2021), Natalia ǀGoagoses[6] (until September 2023), Eveline !Nawases-Tayele[7]
- Minister of Works and Transport: John Mutorwa
- Deputy: Veikko Nekundi
2015–2020
The 6th Cabinet was announced on 19 March 2015. The position of Vice-President was established for the first time, as well as five ministries with two deputy ministers each. Their double appointments significantly increased the number of top positions in public administration.[9][10]
A major cabinet reshuffle occurred in February 2018 when two ministers were fired, the vice-president retired on health grounds, and several other rotations took place.[11] In the wake of the February cabinet reshuffle the number of deputy ministers was reduced again to one per ministry, with the Office of the Vice-President the only exception. This move was announced as a cost-cutting measure.[12][13]
- President: Hage Geingob
- Vice-President: Nickey Iyambo (until February 2018), Nangolo Mbumba
- Prime Minister: Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
- Deputy-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
- Deputy: Peya Mushelenga (until February 2018), Christine ǁHoebes
- Deputy: Maureen Hinda-Mbuende (until February 2018)
- Attorney-General: Albert Kawana
- Director General of the National Planning Commission and Minister of Economic Planning: Tom Alweendo (until February 2018), Obeth Kandjoze
- Deputy: Lucia Iipumbu (until February 2018), Piet van der Walt
- Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry: John Mutorwa (until February 2018), Alpheus ǃNaruseb
- Deputy: Theo Diergaardt
- Deputy: Anna Shiweda
- Minister of Defence: Penda ya Ndakolo
- Deputy: Billy Mwaningange
- Minister of Education, Arts and Culture: Katrina Hanse-Himarwa (until July 2019), Martin Andjaba (acting),[14] Anna Nghipondoka (From March 2020)
- Deputy: Anna Nghipondoka (until February 2020).
- Minister of Environment and Tourism: Pohamba Shifeta
- Deputy: Tommy Nambahu (until February 2018), Bernadette Jagger
- Minister of Finance: Calle Schlettwein
- Deputy: Natangwe Ithete
- Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources: Bernhard Esau (until 13 November 2019), Albert Kawana (acting)[15]
- Deputy: Chief Samuel Ankama (until February 2018), Sylvia Makgone
- Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare: Doreen Sioka
- Deputy: Lucia Witbooi
- Minister of Health and Social Services: Bernard Haufiku (until December 2018), Kalumbi Shangula[16]
- Deputy: Juliet Kavetuna
- Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation: Itah Kandjii-Murangi
- Deputy: Becky Ndoze-Ojo
- Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration: Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana (until February 2018), Frans Kapofi
- Deputy: Erastus Uutoni
- Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and SME Development: Immanuel Ngatjizeko (until February 2018), Tjekero Tweya
- Deputy: Piet van der Walt (until February 2018), Lucia Iipumbu
- Minister of Information and Communication Technology: Tjekero Tweya (until February 2018), Stanley Simataa
- Deputy: Stanley Simaata (until February 2018), Engel Nawatiseb
- Minister of Justice: Albert Kawana (until February 2018), Sackeus Shanghala (until 13 November 2019), Frans Kapofi (acting)[15]
- Deputy: Lidwina Shapwa
- Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation: Erkki Nghimtina
- Deputy: Alpheus Muheua (until February 2018), Tommy Nambahu
- Minister of Land Reform: Utoni Nujoma
- Deputy: Bernadus Swartbooi (until December 2016),[17] Priscilla Boois (from December 2016)[18]
- Minister of Mines and Energy: Obeth Kandjoze (until February 2018), Tom Alweendo
- Deputy: Kornelia Shilunga
- Minister of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare: Bishop Zephania Kameeta
- Deputy: Priscilla Beukes
- Deputy: Reverend Aino Kapewangolo
- Minister of Presidential Affairs: Frans Kapofi (until February 2018), Immanuel Ngatjizeko (until February 2018), Martin Andjaba[19]
- Deputy: Christine ǁHoebes (until February 2018)
- Minister of Public Enterprises: Leon Jooste
- Deputy: Engel Nawatiseb (until February 2018), Veikko Nekundi
- Minister of Safety and Security: Charles Namoloh
- Deputy: Daniel Kashikola (Until September 2023), Lucia Witbooi (From September 2023- )
- Minister of Sport, Youth and National Service: Jerry Ekandjo (until February 2018), Erastus Uutoni
- Deputy: Agnes Tjongarero
- Minister of Urban and Rural Development: Sophia Shaningwa (until February 2018), Peya Mushelenga
- Deputy: Derek Klazen
- Deputy: Sylvia Makgone (until February 2018), Chief Samuel Ankama
- Minister of Veterans' Affairs: Nickey Iyambo
- Deputy for the recognition of the disabled: Alexia Manombe-Ncube
- Deputy for the recognition of marginalised people: Royal ǀUiǀoǀoo
- Deputy for the recognition of veterans of the fight for independence: Hilma Nicanor
- Minister of Works and Transport: Alpheus ǃNaruseb (until February 2018), John Mutorwa
- Deputy: Sankwasa James Sankwasa
- Deputy: Kilus Nguvauva
2010–2015
This Cabinet was appointed in 2010. The SWAPO congress end of November 2012 resulted in "one of the biggest Cabinet reshuffles the country has seen since independence".[20]
- President: Hifikepunye Pohamba
- Prime Minister: Nahas Angula (2010-2012), Hage Geingob (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy-Prime Minister: Marco Hausiku
- Speaker of Parliament: Theo-Ben Gurirab
- Deputy Speaker: Loide Kasingo
- Minister of Trade and Industry: Hage Geingob (2010-2012), Calle Schlettwein (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Tjekero Tweya
- Minister of Justice: Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana (2010-2012), Utoni Nujoma (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Tommy Nambahu
- Minister of Safety and Security: Nangolo Mbumba (2010-2012), Immanuel Ngatjizeko (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Erastus Uutoni
- Minister of Presidential Affairs and Attorney General: Albert Kawana
- Deputy: none
- Minister of Defence: Charles Namoloh (2010-2012), Nahas Angula (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Lempy Lucas (2010-2012), Petrus Iilonga (2012-2015)[20]
- Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration: Rosalia Nghidinwa (2010-2012), Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Elia Kaiyamo
- Minister of Finance: Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
- Deputy: Calle Schlettwein (2010-2012), vacant as from 4 December 2012[21]
- Minister of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development: Jerry Ekandjo (2010-2012), Charles Namoloh (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Priscilla Beukes
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: Utoni Nujoma (2010-2012), Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (2012-)[20]
- Deputy: Peya Mushelenga
- Minister of Health: Richard Kamwi
- Deputy: Petrina Haingura
- Minister of Education : Abraham Iyambo (until 2 February 2013), David Namwandi (from 21 February 2013)
- Deputy: David Namwandi (until 20 February 2013), Silvia Makgone (from 21 February 2013)[22]
- Minister of Lands and Resettlement: Alpheus ǃNaruseb
- Deputy: Theo Diergaardt (appointed January 2011)[23]
- Minister of Works and Transport: Erkki Nghimtina
- Deputy: Chief Samuel Ankama (2010-2012), Chief Kilus Nguvauva (2012-2015)[20]
- Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry: John Mutorwa
- Deputy: Petrus Iilonga (2010-2012), Lempy Lucas (2012[20]-2015[3])
- Minister of Environment and Tourism: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (2010-2012), Uahekua Herunga (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Uahekua Herunga (2010-2012), Pohamba Shifeta (2012-)[20]
- Minister of Labour and Social Welfare: Immanuel Ngatjizeko (2010-2012), Doreen Sioka (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Alpheus Muheua
- Minister of Veterans' Affairs: Nickey Iyambo
- Deputy: Hilma Nicanor (appointed in January 2011)[23]
- Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare: Doreen Sioka (2010-2012), Rosalia Nghidinwa (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Angelika Muharukua
- Minister of Information and Information Technology: Joel Kaapanda
- Deputy: Stanley Simataa
- Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources: Bernard Esau
- Deputy: Chief Kilus Nguvauva (2010-2012), Chief Samuel Ankama (2012-2015)[20]
- Minister of Mines and Energy: Isak Katali
- Deputy: Willem Isaacks
- Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture: Kazenambo Kazenambo (2010-2012), Jerry Ekandjo (2012-2015)[20]
- Deputy: Pohamba Shifeta (2010-2012), Juliet Kavetuna (2012-2015)[20]
- Auditor General: Junias Kandjeke[24]
2005–2010
Below is a list of the cabinet of the Republic of Namibia from appointment in 2005 until replacement in 2010:
- President: Hifikepunye Pohamba
- Prime Minister: Nahas Angula
- Deputy-Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs: Marco Hausiku
- Minister of Defense: Major General Charles Ndaxu Namoloh
- Minister of Veterans Affairs: Ngarikutuke Tjiriange
- Minister of Education: Nangolo Mbumba
- Deputy: Rebecca Ndjoze-Ojo
- Minister of Finance: Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila
- Minister of Safety and Security: Nickey Iyambo
- Minister of Trade and Industry: Immanuel Ngatjizeko (2005-2008),[25] Hage Geingob (2008-2010)[26]
- Deputy: Bernhardt Esau
- Minister of Home Affairs and Immigration: Rosalia Nghidinwa
- Minister of Information and Broadcasting: Joel Kaapanda
- Deputy: Raphael Dinyando[27]
- Minister of Justice: Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana
- Minister of Mines and Energy: Erkki Nghimtina
- Minister of Labour and Social Welfare: Immanuel Ngatjizeko
- Deputy: Petrus Iilonga
- Minister of Health and Social Service: Richard Kamwi
- Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Forestry: John Mutorwa
- Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources: Abraham Iyambo
- Minister of Environment and Tourism: Willem Konjore (until 2008)[28] Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
- Minister of Lands and Resettlement: Alpheus ǃNaruseb
- Minister of Local and Regional Government, Housing and Rural Development: Jerry Ekandjo
- Deputy: Kazenambo Kazenambo[29]
- Minister of Works, Transport and Communication: Helmut Angula
- Deputy: Paulus Kapia until October 2005, then Steve Mogotsi[30]
- Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare: Marlene Mungunda
- Deputy: Angelika Muharukua[31]
- Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport, and Culture: Willem Konjore (since 2008)[32]
- Deputy: Pohamba Shifeta[33]
- Minister of Presidential Affairs: Albert Kawana
- National Planning Commission Director: Peter Katjavivi
- Namibia Central Intelligence Service Director: Lukas Hangula
2000–2005
The third cabinet of Sam Nujoma was announced on Independence Day 2000.[34]
1995–2000
The second cabinet under Sam Nujoma was announced on Independence Day 1995.[35] In 1999 a re-shuffle took place, mainly affecting deputy ministers.[36]
- President: Sam Nujoma
- Prime Minister: Hage Geingob
- Minister of Mines and Energy: Andimba Toivo ya Toivo (until 1999), Jesaya Nyamu
- Deputy: Jesaya Nyamu (until 1999), Klaus Dierks
1990–1995
The first cabinet after Namibian independence consisted of 19 ministers appointed by inaugural president Sam Nujoma. In 1991, two further ministries were established:[37]
- President: Sam Nujoma
- Prime Minister: Hage Geingob
- Attorney-general: Hartmut Ruppel
- Director-general of the National Planning Commission: Zedakia Ngavirue
- Minister of Agriculture: Gert Hanekom (until 1992), Anton von Wietersheim (until 1993), Nangolo Mbumba
- Minister of Defence: Peter Mweshihange
- Minister of Education: Nahas Angula
- Minister of Environment: Niko Bessinger
- Minister of Finance: Otto Herrigel (until 1992), Gert Hanekom
- Minister of Fisheries (established 1991): Helmut Angula
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: Theo-Ben Gurirab
- Minister of Health: Nickey Iyambo
- Minister of Home Affairs: Hifikepunye Pohamba
- Minister of Information: Hidipo Hamutenya (until 1993), Ben Amathila
- Minister of Justice: Ngarikutuke Tjiriange
- Minister of Labour: Hendrik Witbooi
- Minister of Lands: Marco Hausiku
- Minister of Local Government: Libertina Amathila
- Minister of Mines and Energy: Andimba Toivo ya Toivo
- Minister of Trade: Ben Amathila (until 1993), Hidipo Hamutenya
- Minister of Works: Richard Kabajani
- Minister of Youth (established 1991): Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana
References
Notes
Literature
- Hopwood, Graham (2007). Guide to Namibian Politics. Windhoek: Konrad Adenauer Foundation. ISBN 978-99916-797-5-4.