President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed 10 new Heads of Mission today, which saw the return of those who served in previous years.
She called on them to serve with integrity, dedication, and patriotism; align their work with the country's national priorities; and mobilise support for humanitarian projects assigned to their missions.
"Many of you are seasoned professionals who have represented our country with honour and distinction before. I have entrusted you with this responsibility because of your proven competence and unwavering dedication to Namibia."
They are Tonata Gebhard, who will serve as Ambassador to China; Monica Nashandi, to Russia; Wilbard Hellao, USA; Kakena Nangula, Sweden; Benjamin Kandanga, Finland; and Jerobeam Shaanika, who will serve as Ambassador to Germany.
Sabine Bohlke Moller will serve in France, Lebbius Tobias in Cuba, and Sipapela Sipapela in the DRC, while Elvis Shiweda has been posted to Switzerland.
"I urge you to identify opportunities for our countrymen and women, particularly the youth. Work tirelessly to secure market access for our products and connect fellow citizens with skilled individuals and enterprises in industries such as the creative sector. I am mentioning this because it's a new industry. The others you know already, but we are highlighting them in Namibia because of its economic nature. Be bridges that link Namibia's emerging talents with global opportunities and innovative platforms."
The President emphasised that Namibia places great value on the role of diplomacy in fostering stronger bilateral and multilateral relations, and it is required of them, therefore, to serve as custodians of the enduring ties that bind Namibia and their countries of accreditation.
She also reminded them that they are stepping into this responsibility at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics, an era marked by uncertainty, diminishing global security and stability, and rising economic protectionism.
"I have carefully considered appointing you based on your experience to navigate our bilateral relations during this particular time. I wish to clarify, however, that your appointment is for a period of 4 (four years), during which I expect you to deliver on our commitments. Namibia must get the best out of our bilateral relations, in particular with reference to our economic diplomacy."
Tonata Gebhard, who was appointed as the first female ambassador to the Nordic countries in 1991, is the Dean of the appointed Heads of Mission.
"This group is made up of some of the veterans of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the class of the 90s – all of them have served as heads of missions before. They will not be starting from scratch but will continue to add to the building blocks which were already started by our predecessors in each of our respective countries of designation. We will be guided by the policies of our government, the principles of regional development and the spirit of pan-Africanism."
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade is expected to provide the Heads of Mission with their specific portfolios.