President Nandi-Ndaitwah skipped using intelligence services when picking her Cabinet members. Instead, she went with casual background checks instead of the normal vetting process. Critics slammed her choices because some ministers faced serious allegations.
Her agriculture minister Hengari currently faces police investigation for rape accusations from last year. Health minister Luvindao stands accused of professional misconduct, including a police case. The president reportedly became angry after these allegations about her picks came to light.
Sources say the president's list kept changing until the final moment, with recommendations coming from people close to her. The Namibia Central Intelligence Service never vetted these ministers. One official claimed using intelligence agencies would have made it hard for the president to appoint who she wanted.
Political analyst Rui Tyitende points out that no law requires presidential vetting of ministers. This means someone with a criminal background could legally become the safety minister. The ruling Swapo party's defense department stated they only screen candidates for electoral positions, not presidential appointees.
Questions linger about who will become Cabinet secretary as George Simataa's term ended March 20th with just a month extension. Former minister Christine //Hoebes reportedly wants the job. Louise Shixwameni was considered but fell off the list despite chairing Swapo's Manifesto Implementation Plan committee.
Her agriculture minister Hengari currently faces police investigation for rape accusations from last year. Health minister Luvindao stands accused of professional misconduct, including a police case. The president reportedly became angry after these allegations about her picks came to light.
Sources say the president's list kept changing until the final moment, with recommendations coming from people close to her. The Namibia Central Intelligence Service never vetted these ministers. One official claimed using intelligence agencies would have made it hard for the president to appoint who she wanted.
Political analyst Rui Tyitende points out that no law requires presidential vetting of ministers. This means someone with a criminal background could legally become the safety minister. The ruling Swapo party's defense department stated they only screen candidates for electoral positions, not presidential appointees.
Questions linger about who will become Cabinet secretary as George Simataa's term ended March 20th with just a month extension. Former minister Christine //Hoebes reportedly wants the job. Louise Shixwameni was considered but fell off the list despite chairing Swapo's Manifesto Implementation Plan committee.
