Parties call for Luvindao’s removal as health minister

Political parties have urged president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to review the appointment of medical doctor Esperance Luvindao as minister of health and social services.

The Popular Democratic Movement, however, has defended the appointment, saying it was political and the president made the right choice.

Luvindao, who is one of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s eight appointees to the National Assembly, has drawn public attention since the weekend.

Yesterday, former first lady Monica Geingos publicly distanced herself from speculation that she influenced Luvindao’s appointment.

The doctor previously volunteered at the Office of the First Lady at the #BeFree campus.

The new health minister has over the years published several photos of herself with Geingos. However, the former first lady yesterday denied influencing the appointment.

Some political parties yesterday urged Nandi-Ndaitwah to review her decision and appoint a new minister.

The Namibian understands that the president has indeed asked her team to review the appointment.

“She [Nandi-Ndaitwah] works on evidence. She requested the team to gather evidence,” a source said, adding that the president might only withdraw the appointment “if evidence proves that there is something wrong”.

‘LACK OF EXPERIENCE’

Political parties, however, are concerned about the new appointee’s lack of experience.

Republican Party (RP) president Henk Mudge yesterday described Nandi-Ndaitwah’s appointment of Luvindao as shocking.

“What is shocking is that the president can appoint somebody and some issues come out, and then the person is put in a position where she will eventually have to fire her.

“My question is: What experience does she have? She was introduced to the former first lady’s organisation in 2019,” he said.

Mudge said the Ministry of Health and Social Services is a huge responsibility, requiring an experienced individual.

“From what I hear and what I see, there is no way that Nandi-Ndaitwah can keep Luvindao in that position . . . That ministry needs a strong minister and I don’t think she is up to it,” he said.

He said questions about the relationship between Luvindao and Geingos are valid.

“How can the president appoint somebody like that without being vetted? How many people have been appointed without being vetted? l am just shocked,” he said.

Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) deputy president Kalimbo Iipumbu yesterday agreed that Nandi-Ndaitwah should review Luvindao’s appointment.

“We urge the administration to consider appointing a candidate with a strong track record in health governance and public service – someone with the experience to drive meaningful improvements and ensure the best possible outcomes for all Namibians,” he said.

Iipumbu said the appointed minister lacks experience.

“We firmly believe the leadership of the health ministry is critical for safeguarding the well-being of our people and addressing the pressing public health issues facing our country.

“It is essential that this role be filled by someone with the proven expertise and experience necessary to navigate complex health challenges and implement robust, effective policies.”

IN DEFENCE

Meanwhile, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) spokesperson Geoffrey Mwilima yesterday said the party sees nothing wrong with Luvindao’s appointment.

He said Nandi-Ndaitwah has made the correct decision and those complaining had someone else in mind for the position.

“It is the right decision, because we have not seen her failing, and we need to accept what the president has given us.

We cannot say it is a wrong appointment. As a party we can just wish her the best to take the lead,” he said.

Mwilima said Luvindao’s appointment is political.

“People must understand that this was political and anybody can be appointed to be a minister, because the executive director runs the ministry,” he said.

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) national general secretary Christine !Aochamus yesterday said she only found out who Luvindao was after she was announced as health minister on Saturday.

“I’m sure the appointing authority had done their own due diligence to ascertain that she was compliant and met whatever the criteria was she was looking for.

“It would really be unfair for me to say she’s not experienced, as I don’t know her,” she said.

For years, Luvindao has stepped onto stages in victory.

In 2022, she was honoured by Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II with a Commonwealth Points of Light award for delivering free online consultations to more than 44 000 ‘online’ patients from Namibia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria and Rwanda since 2019.

INFLUENCER

Geingos yesterday said she did not understand the “dark forces” spreading a narrative about her influencing Luvindao’s appointment.

“I became aware of Dr Luvindao’s appointment when it was publicly announced,” she said.

“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, and I am surprised there is an attempt to blame some of us who are peripheral to that process,” she said.

Geingos also addressed allegations about a transaction the Ministry of Health and Social Services allegedly entered into with her company.

“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 made an effort to get comment from Luvindao, but she did not respond by the time of going to print yesterday.

However, speaking at State House after her appointment on Saturday, the doctor said her appointment underscores the importance of involving young, passionate individuals who are capable of getting things done.

“When it comes to healthcare, we are talking about, number one, the decentralisation of healthcare services.

That means every Namibian, irrespective of where they are in the country, should be able to access standardised healthcare,” she said in a video published by New Era.

According to her, the goal is that “when someone walks into a state hospital, they should not be able to tell the difference between that and a private facility”.

She also spoke about digital healthcare.

“Our systems are overwhelmed, and our doctors, nurses and healthcare officials are overburdened,” she said, adding that one solution is embracing digital healthcare.

“We must ensure that we are not doing the work alone. Digital health and artificial intelligence have advanced to the point where they can truly become partners,” she said.