Namibia’s President, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has appointed Defence and Veterans Affairs Minister Frans Kapofi Acting Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy.
The development comes after President Nandi-Ndaitwah briefly took charge of the ministry herself to ensure stability following the dismissal of Natangwe Ithete as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy.
The Presidency said the appointment was made in line with Article 32(3)(i)(dd) of the Namibian Constitution, which empowers the Head of State to assign or reassign ministerial functions as necessary to ensure the effective operation of government.
According to the Presidency, the move follows recent leadership changes within the ministry and aims to ensure continuity in service delivery.
“The appointment of Hon. Kapofi ensures continued leadership and coordination within a ministry that remains central to Namibia’s industrialisation, mining, and energy transformation agenda,” the Presidency said.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining discipline, urgency, and accountability in government operations, consistent with the principles of the Eighth Administration and the priorities outlined under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
“The President extends her best wishes to Hon. Kapofi as he undertakes this critical role and expresses full confidence in his ability to steer the ministry with diligence and integrity,” the statement added.
The Presidency described the appointment as a measure to maintain “stability, continuity, and constitutional governance” while the process of identifying a permanent replacement continues.
