President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Commissions Three National Task Forces to Fast-Track National Priorities
By TUW
President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has officially commissioned three national task forces aimed at accelerating economic recovery, strengthening the health sector, and improving housing and land delivery across the country.
The announcement, made during a ceremony at State House on Monday, marks a major step in the 8th Administration’s promise to adopt a more coordinated and results-driven approach to national development.
According to the President, the creation of the task forces stems from the need for stronger collaboration between government, business, civil society, academia, and community leaders. She noted that Namibia’s recent socio-economic pressures, including rising living costs, job creation constraints and persistent housing shortages require “business unusual” and solutions shaped collectively.
The three task forces, each drawing members from diverse sectors, will focus on:
- Economic Recovery: unlocking investment, stimulating growth, and improving youth opportunities, using the post-COVID-19 recovery framework as a reference point.
- Health: strengthening the country’s health system, guided in part by the 2013 national health assessment.
- Housing and Land: accelerating serviced land delivery and addressing the urgent national demand for dignified housing.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized that the initiative is not intended to duplicate past efforts but to build on previous administrations while fast-tracking implementation under NDP6. She also acknowledged public skepticism when the idea was first announced, but reaffirmed that the Administration is committed to delivering tangible results.
“Namibia cannot progress if every sector moves in isolation,” she said, urging task force members to embrace open dialogue and innovation even when disagreements arise.
Presidential Task Force Compositions
1. Presidential Task Force on Economic Recovery
The economic recovery team consists of senior business leaders, economists, and development specialists tasked with unlocking investment, fostering innovation, and supporting youth economic opportunities. Members include:
- Mr. Titus Nampala
- Mr. Rolie Venter
- Ms. Tjiuna Daringo
- Mr. Jesaya Hano-Oshike
- Ms. Kledura Imalwa
- Mr. Sven Thieme
- Mr. Vetumbuavi Mungunda
- Mr. Titus Ndove
- Mr. Ebson Uanguta
- Mr. Philip Christian Hikumwah
- Ms. Mercia Geises
- Mr. Erwin Tjipuka
- Ms. Hileni Nghinaunye
- Mr. Samuel Ndahangwapo
- Mr. Haraldt Hecht
- Mr. Conrad Dempsey
- Ms. Vincia Cloete
- Mr. Bluemy Hamutenya
2. Presidential Task Force on Health
This team brings together clinicians, public health experts, and sector administrators who will focus on strengthening service delivery and responding to longstanding systemic bottlenecks. Members include:
- Dr. Linda Nangombe
- Dr. Tshali Lithete
- Dr. Christo Burger
- Dr. John Keiseb
- Dr. Anna Hangula
- Dr. Melody Lyn Chipeio
- Mr. Nian Berg
- Dr. Theo-Ben Kandetu
- Dr. Edward Fynn
- Mr. Immanuel Kadhila
- Mr. Rian Horn
- Ms. Hannelie Botha
- Dr. Monika Pendukeni
- Dr. Jacobus Angara Sheehama
- Ms. Patricia Hangala
- Sr. Annemi Higgs
- Dr. Fenny Shidhika
3. Presidential Task Force on Housing and Land
Housing and land delivery remains one of Namibia’s most urgent social priorities. The task force comprises experts in urban planning, land administration, architecture, economics, and community development:
- Mr. Jacob Nghifindaka
- Mr. Heinrich Amushila
- Mr. David Nuyoma
- Mr. Fanuel Maanda
- Ms. Barbel Kircher
- Ms. Rebecca Anne Shilengudwa
- Mr. Keith Handura
- Mr. Bruce Stewart
- Reverend Maureen Dausas
- Mr. Johannes Niikondo
- Mr. Erastus Nikodemus
- Mr. Archie Graham
- Ms. Amalia Nathanel
- Ms. Kadiva D. Hamutumwa
- Mr. Jeckpelins Muundjua
- Mr. Julius Nyerere Namoloh
A Call for Unity and Collective Effort
The President urged the members to work with open minds, noting that differences in perspective are expected but valuable in shaping effective solutions. She also appealed to the nation to support the task forces as they begin their work.
The president also thanked the appointed members for their voluntary service, noting that their expertise will shape policies that support economic resilience, improve public health, and enhance land and housing provision.
“These task forces reflect our shared responsibility to move Namibia forward,” she stated.
