In his final address to Parliament, outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba urged the current and future generations of lawmakers to use their platform to continue advancing the ideals enshrined in the Namibian Constitution—unity, liberty, equality, and justice.
Mbumba took over as the head of state after the passing of former President Hage Geingob in February of last year.
On Tuesday, in his valedictory speech, Mbumba emphasized the importance of Parliament as a space where the nation’s highest ideals can be realized and protected.
“Since I am now ending my political career to join my fellow citizens, I would like to encourage current and future generations of members of parliament to continue using this chamber as a platform to advance the ideals of unity, liberty, equality, and justice as enshrined in our constitution,” Mbumba stated.
“Current and future generations must advance the ethos of this chamber to ensure victory in the second struggle for the economic freedom of all Namibians,” he added.
Mbumba also called for lawmakers to remain vigilant against the divisive forces of racism, tribalism, division, and corruption.
“They must continue to fight against the vices of racism, tribalism, division, and corruption to honor the noble values for which many heroes and heroines sacrificed their lives to achieve the independence and nationhood of Namibia on March 21, 1990,” he said.
Mbumba said it had been a privilege to serve and contribute to the country’s development.
“It is in this chamber that Namibians from all walks of life place their faith, by electing freely the individuals and political parties of their choice that will serve as their representative voices,” Mbumba remarked.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Mbumba acknowledged that his career had evolved over time, shaped by different circumstances but always rooted in the values of freedom and democracy.
“I am truly blessed to have been part of Parliament and to work closely with the legislature,” he said.
The outgoing head of state also touched on the challenges faced by the nation, including the passing of President Geingob and founding President Sam Nujoma. He, however, expressed hope for the future with the leadership of President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“Despite the victories and the defeats of the past, we as a nation have resolved to always march on towards the horizon and the promise of new beginnings,” Mbumba stated, referring to the inauguration of the new head of state and the start of the 8th National Assembly.
Mbumba, who has held various public portfolios and ministerial roles throughout his career, leaves behind a legacy of service to Namibia.
He acknowledged the numerous roles he has held within the Namibian government, from his early days as Secretary to the Cabinet to his various ministerial portfolios, and ultimately, his tenure as President.
“As I prepare to leave office, I am humbled to have occupied different roles in the government of the Republic of Namibia, which commenced with my assignment as Secretary to the Cabinet, various Ministerial Portfolios, and now ending as the President of our country,” Mbumba said.
Journey to Presidency
President Mbumba reminisced about key moments in his political career, including the unexpected sequence of events that led to his appointment as Vice President of Namibia.
He shared a personal recollection of how he was unexpectedly moved from his position as a Member of Parliament.
He recalled a conversation with then-President Geingob, who had been trying to reach him for a discussion.
“I will not forget the sequence of events, which saw me moved from my seat as an MP. President Geingob tried to call me several times, and when he eventually reached me, he was visibly annoyed that I was not readily accessible for him to speak to me,” Mbumba said.
He said he had to convince President Geingob that he was at a book launch with former President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
“This helped to cool him down and break the news that ‘I have decided after consultations to appoint you as the Vice President,’” Mbumba recalled.
Mbumba also reflected on a promise he made to his wife and family when he first entered politics: that his career would come to an end with the term of President Geingob.
“Certainly, it is ending with the term of office of President Geingob, albeit in a manner which I did not foresee or expect,” Mbumba added.
Leaders from across the political spectrum, such as McHenry Venaani, Esther Muijangue, Sophia Shaningwa, Epafras Mukwiilongo, Mathias Mbundu, and many others, joined in wishing the outgoing president well as he embarked on his retirement journey.
They said Mbumba’s legacy of service and leadership will remain a significant part of Namibia’s political history.
President Mbumba will hand over power to President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Friday.