Presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari says the criticism against newly appointed minister of health and social services Esperance Luvindao is “unnecessary and unfortunate”.
Luvindao has faced backlash since president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah hand-picked her for the National Assembly and appointed her as health minister over the weekend.
Some political parties have called on the president to reconsider her decision, saying Luvindao lacks experience.
The Namibian understands that Nandi-Ndaitwah has instructed her team to review the appointment. However, Hengari on Monday defended the president’s choice.
“The president is focused on working for the people of Namibia. Therefore, the polemic about the president’s choice for minister of health is unfortunate and unnecessary.”
Luvindao, who assumed office on Monday and attended her first Cabinet meeting yesterday, has remained silent on the controversy. Nandi-Ndaitwah did not address the issue during the first part of yesterday’s Cabinet session, which was open to the media.
The debate over Luvindao’s appointment intensified after former first lady Monica Geingos denied allegations that she influenced the decision.
In a statement, Geingos refuted claims that she played a role in Luvindao’s selection or advised former president Nangolo Mbumba, who allegedly influenced Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision.
“I have never spoken to any leader regarding the appointment of any individual, nor have I directly or indirectly recommended or influenced any ministerial appointment.
The appointment of ministers is the sole prerogative of the president,” Geingos said in a statement this week.
She also dismissed allegations linking her to financial transactions involving the Ministry of Health and Social Services.
“I resent that I need to reaffirm that I have no existing or past financial interest in the procurement processes of any state institution,” she said.
The Namibian has reached out to Luvindao for comment, but she did not respond.
However, speaking at State House after her appointment, she said there is a need for young, capable leaders in the government.
“When it comes to healthcare, we are prioritising the decentralisation of services to ensure every Namibian, regardless of location, has access to standardised healthcare,” she said in a video published by New Era.
Luvindao advocated digital healthcare solutions.
“Our systems are overwhelmed, and our medical personnel are overburdened.
Digital health and artificial intelligence have advanced to the point where they can truly become partners in improving service delivery,” she said.
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