Windhoek, February 03 – President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officially opened the third session of Namibia’s Eighth Parliament on Tuesday, calling on lawmakers to enact “strong, principled and forward-thinking” legislation under the theme “Enhance the Role of Parliament for Inclusive Development and Participatory Democracy.”
Addressing a joint sitting of the National Assembly and National Council in Windhoek, the President began with a moment of silence to honor late Presidents Hage G. Geingob and Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, whose deaths on 4 and 8 February marked poignant anniversaries. She welcomed new National Council members elected in the 2025 Regional and Local Authorities polls, emphasizing their duty to legislate for the nation.
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted Parliament’s constitutional mandate under Article 44 to enact laws, scrutinize budgets, oversee government, and debate national issues. “Laws enacted in this August House serve as the foundation for social order, economic growth, and democratic governance,” she said, stressing the need for a robust legal framework to boost service delivery and public trust.
The address came amid domestic woes like high unemployment, inequality, and poverty, exacerbated by global economic uncertainty, climate pressures, and geopolitical shifts. Namibia, she noted, must navigate a world of “rising public expectations” and eroding multilateralism while upholding its foreign policy of peaceful coexistence.
The President reflected on the Eighth Administration’s efforts since March 2025 to stabilize the economy, expand production in agriculture, manufacturing, and the digital sector, and enforce fiscal discipline. She pushed for value addition to natural resources, urging Parliament to urgently consider public-proposed law amendments for greater national benefit. “The wealth generated in this country should benefit many of our people, not just a few,” she stated, adding, “We are too few to be poor.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah praised Namibia’s engagement in forums like the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Pan-African Parliament, and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, calling for their insights to shape local laws.
In a pointed critique, she expressed disappointment over the past year’s legislative record, where only two of nine tabled Bills the Appropriation Bill and its mid-term amendment passed. Bills on land, public enterprises, mental health, and others stalled, she said, amid what she called attempts by some to “score political points.” “This is very disappointing because the people of Namibia deserve better services from their elected representatives,” Nandi-Ndaitwah remarked.
She urged unity beyond partisanship, dignified debate, and timely oversight to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. “No individual, authority, or institution is above the law,” she affirmed, calling on all branches of government to cooperate for “prosperous, fair, and just” outcomes.
Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare, National Council Chairperson Lukas Sinimbo Muha, Chief Justice Peter Shivute, and opposition leader Immanuel Shawana Nashinge attended the ceremonial opening.
Nandi-Ndaitwah declared the session open, invoking divine blessings on Namibia.
