Opposition leaders praise Mbumba’s leadership

By: Envaalde Matheus
Opposition political parties have commended outgoing President Nangolo Mbumba for his leadership, describing him as resilient, unifying, selfless, and a father figure.

Party leaders shared their sentiments in Parliament on Tuesday during Mbumba’s final address before Parliament dissolves on Thursday.

Opposition leaders said they were inspired by Mbumba’s leadership, especially in guiding the nation through the difficult period following the passing of former presidents Hage Geingob and Sam Nujoma.
PDM leader McHenry Venaani said Namibians will forever remember and respect Mbumba.

“The days you stood behind the coffins of our departed leaders, you, as a son of this country, unified the nation in hope, believing that a better day and a better tomorrow would come,” he said.

Venaani said the president was ushered in through the fire of challenge; you stood your ground.

“I remember a night when I sent you a very provocative SMS. Just as you assumed the presidency, I asked, Is the center holding? And I tell you, without fear of contradiction—indeed, this past year, the center was holding,” he recalls.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) president Auchab Apius said Mbumba’s able leadership has paved the way for young blood to invigorate the legislative assembly.

“Excitement is in the air, Your Excellency,” he said.

Republican Party member of Parliament Mathias Mbundu described Mbumba as a selfless leader.
“You did not use your position to influence or hold on to state power,” said Mbundu.

The National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) president and deputy minister of health, Esther Muinjangue, reflected on her appointment as deputy minister.

She said Mbumba called her, and she found him and Geingob at the State House.

“I came to the State House. I was taken there. His Excellency and the late president were the only two sitting. I was shaking.

‘Take your seat,’ he said. So I took my seat. The president said, ‘You know, I’ve been following your campaign, and you have been saying you want to provide alternatives. Because of that, I want to appoint you as Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services,'” she narrates.

Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) Kennedy Shekupakela said Mbumba has faced difficulties, but stood firm.
“And we have also learned that you are not a greedy man, because you did not cling to the so-called sweet office. Otherwise, you could have said, No, give me an extra two years. But you said, No, enough is enough,” he said.