The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs welcomed the newly appointed Deputy Minister, Dr. Charles Mubita, and Executive Director, Annely Haiphene, at its headquarters.

Staff members also bid farewell to the former Deputy Minister, Hilma Nicanor, and the former Executive Director, Wilhelmine Shivute.

The Minister of Defence, Frans Kapofi, acknowledged the dedication and service of the men and women in uniform, especially during challenging times. 

The minister highlighted the crucial role these individuals play, not only during floods but also when the country mourned the death of revered leaders such as the late President Hage Geingob and the Founding President, Sam Nujoma.

Kapofi also touched on the ministry's continued efforts to support those in need; current efforts are focused on the distribution of drought relief aid.

"We also have to date trucks, drivers and other troops participating in the distribution of drought relief aids. We have also recently beefed up the emergency teams with aircraft and other additional resources to respond to the flood that is devastating the northern regions."

Kapofi also expressed confidence in the abilities of both Dr. Mubita and Haiphene to carry out the ministry's critical mandate and contribute positively to the force's objectives.

Dr. Mubita highlighted the importance of policy development to drive the ministry's mandate and commitment to improving retention policies, particularly for medical professionals trained by the ministry. 

"We need to have a retention policy in this ministry. You train doctors, but after three months they leave for another institution, and you have to pay the ministry to train a new group. The money you spend on training could be used to pay them properly."

Dr. Mubita also pointed to the importance of transparency and accountability in procurement and logistics within the ministry. 

"Procurement is critical in every industry, but how accountable is it? Do we procure the things that can be used by everybody or by certain individuals? Do they look at the necessity and reason for being procured?" 

Meanwhile, the new Executive Director, Annely Haiphene, shared her passion for capital projects and policy formulation. 

"I'm very much passionate about the implementation of capital projects because that has to do with service delivery to the people. I therefore commit that ours is not going to be an exception; we are going to do everything possible, those of us who are responsible. Let's make sure that everything is possible."