Staff Reporter
THE Namibian Presidency is maintaining silence regarding the reasons behind the recent dismissal of Natangwe Ithete, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy.
Presidential Spokesperson Jonas Mbambo said that he is not yet authorised to disclose the reasons for Ithete’s dismissal. However, he assured that the information will be made public once he receives the green light to do so.
“The ‘why’ is very well known to the former DPM and the minister this ministry and the president. But until that time, I am not authorised to reveal,” Mbambo said.
Mbambo made these remarks following President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s meeting with the staff and management of the Ministry of Mines this morning. He confirmed that the president will temporarily assume the role of Minister of Mines until she appoints Ithete’s successor. According to Mbambo, the purpose of the meeting was for the president to familiarise herself with the ministry.
“As we know, the ministry is of vital importance in terms of what we want to achieve in terms of turning the economy around, and changing the lives of everyday Namibians. After the engagement of the management, she came down and met with the general staff where she also introduced herself as is normal practice when somebody takes on new positions, and also just setting the tone for what is expected of them as public servants,” Mbambo explained.
Mbambo added that the president is scheduled to hold another meeting with the ministry’s management on Thursday, during which they will present a report on the ministry’s performance over the past seven months.
