Swapo defends cabinet choices amid criticism

Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga has defended president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s decision to downsize the Cabinet, saying the move was necessary.

Speaking to Desert Radio on Tuesday, Herunga said cutting the number of ministers from 21 to 14, with eight women in key positions, was a strategic decision.

“The president has the authority to appoint her ministers, and she has done just that. The decision to significantly reduce the number of ministers is to save costs and ensure resources are allocated where they are needed most,” he said.

However, critics argue that a smaller Cabinet could lead to inefficiencies and administrative bottlenecks.

Herunga dismissed this criticism, stating that it is better to have fewer ministers working with sufficient resources than a bloated Cabinet with limited funding.

The appointment of medical doctor Esperance Luvindao as minister of health and social services has also sparked controversy, with opposition parties questioning her experience.

Herunga, however, dismissed these concerns, saying that no one enters a position with experience.

“When I was appointed as deputy minister of environment and later became the full minister, I had no experience, yet I delivered. It is about the character, skills and willpower of an individual. Luvindao has the qualifications, and this is her opportunity to gain experience, ” he said.