APA-Windhoek (Namibia) President Nangolo Mbumba has appointed veteran politician John Mutorwa as Namibia’s new deputy prime minister in a mini cabinet reshuffle that also saw former information minister Peya Mushelenga being handed the foreign ministry portfolio.
The presidency said the changes have been necessitated by the appointment of Mbumba as president following the death of President Hage Geingob on Sunday, as well as the subsequent elevation of former International Relations and Cooperation Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as vice president.
“In order to ensure the effective delivery of services to the Namibian people, President Nangolo Mbumba has effected today 9 February 2024 adjustments to the cabinet and executive in the Namibian government,” the presidency said in a statement on Friday.
Mutorwa, who has served in Namibia’s parliament and cabinet since 1992, would continue in his role as minister of works and transport and is expected to assist Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa with disaster risk management issues and facilitate the development of small-to-medium enterprises.
Mushelenga was replaced by her former deputy Emma Theofelus as minister of information, communication and technology (ICT).
Theofelus, 27, became one of Africa’s youngest cabinet ministers when she was appointed deputy ICT minister in March 2020.
Theofelus was replaced by Modestus Amutse as deputy ICT minister, the statement said.
JN/APA