The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Frans Kapofi, has warned against incompetence among members of the force, while reaffirming the need to modernise defence capabilities and strengthen civil-military coordination.
Kapofi criticised staff during a meeting at the Defence Headquarters in Windhoek.
By virtue of its mandate, Kapofi has charged the defence force to scale up its performance standards at all levels in order to continue safeguarding national integrity and sovereignty.
In a bid to align with the government’s Vision 2030, Kapofi outlined plans to build a stronger defence industry.
This, he said, is aimed at supporting economic transformation, social justice, infrastructure development, and national security as a foundation for stability.
The minister also took aim at defense procurement, calling for greater transparency, improved coordination, and strict alignment with operational needs.
“We must customise what we procure. Our defense procurement system must have clear specifications. If, for example, we want boots, they must meet defined standards—not be selected based on appearance. The boots must protect against threats such as booby traps and be heat-resistant. These specifications must be documented in a catalogue. The same applies to uniforms, caps, and even blankets. A blanket must be rain-resistant, warm in winter, and suitable for summer conditions. Everything must be clearly defined so that anyone taking over responsibilities can follow established standards. Procurement cannot be based on appearance; it must follow a clear and structured system.”
He urged leadership to create more opportunities for qualified and skilled members of the Namibia Defence Force, rather than outsourcing external services, which often strain financial resources.
Kapofi also emphasised the importance of protecting the dignity of veterans of the liberation struggle.
“Ensuring that those who fought for our independence are honoured not only in words but through concrete action. We are working hard and engaging government to find ways to accelerate the payment of individual veteran projects. I urge officials responsible for veterans across all regions to be empathetic and to treat them with the respect they deserve.”
He further called on members of the force to actively participate in community programmes that promote the social well-being of civilians.