Major-General John Mutwa on Tuesday took over command of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) from Lieutenant-General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah.
Major-General John Mutwa on Tuesday took over command of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) from Lieutenant-General Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah.
During his acceptance speech delivered at the change of command parade held at Grootfontein in the Otjozondjupa Region, the new Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) pledged to honour the NDF’s obligation towards Government and its people, as well as the African continent and the world at large.
This was the fourth change of command within the NDF since its inception in 1990.
“I am humbled by the honour bestowed upon me by the Commander-in-Chief (President Hifikepunye Pohamba),” he said, adding that he is aware that the time remaining on Pohamba’s tenure in office is short; hence he will make it a point to deliver on the President’s expectations within the limited period.
Major-General Mutwa promised to continue enhancing cooperation and good relations with the defence forces of neighbouring countries, and to further strengthen the NDF’s capacity to participate in peace and other efforts under the auspices of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
Lieutenant-General Ndaitwah had been at the helm of the NDF since 2011 following the retirement of former CDF Martin Shalli.
Mutwa served as Army Commander since 2011.
Amongst others, Defence Minister Nahas Angula, Health and Social Services Minister Richard Kamwi, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Attorney-General Albert Kawana, and Home Affairs and Immigration Deputy Minister Elia Kaiyamo were present to witness the change of command.
The event was also attended by high-ranking officials from defence forces in other SADC countries, such as Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Force General Constantine Chiwenga and Colonel Getrude Mwale from the Zambian Defence Force.
Major-General Mutwa is married to Selma Mutwa and has three children – Saara, Maria and Paulus.
-Nampa
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