In solem solidarity, H.E. Lucia Witbooi, Vice President, today accompanied H.E Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah President of the Republic of Namibia to a memorial service of the late former First Lady, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba, held at Okanghudi Village in Ohangwena Region.
Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia today hosted the outgoing Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe, H.E Melody Chaurura, who paid a fairwell courtesy call to mark the official conclusion of her diplomatic mission to Namibia.
During the audience, the Vice President commended the outgoing Ambassador for her outstanding dedication to deepening bilateral relations, cementing an enduring friendship and promoting mutual economic cooperation between the two nations.
On her part, Ambassador Chaurura expressed gratitude to the Government and the people of Namibia for the warmth, hospitality and institutional support extended to her throughout her diplomatic duty in Namibia.
Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia today signed the book of condolences opened at the official residence of Former President, H. E. Hifikepunye Pohamba, in honour of the late former First Lady, Madam Penehupifo Pohamba.
The nation continues to mourn a remarkable woman whose legacy, leadership and unwavering service to the people of Namibia will never be forgotten.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi today saw off President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at Hosea Kutako International Airport as the President departed for Luanda, Angola, to attend the inaugural Angola-Namibia Bi-National Commission.
The Vice President will serve as Acting President until the President’s return on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, ensuring continuity in the execution of the responsibilities of the Presidency.
Keynote Address By Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, Vice President Of The Republic Of Namibia On The Occasion Of The
Inauguration Of N/A'an Ku Sê Eco Village Project
Epukiro|Omaheke Region
09 October 2026
Before I proceed with my remarks, I wish to begin by acknowledging, with profound sadness, one of our community members, OusiKatrina Akwa, who was expected to be among the beneficiaries of this important project today but sadly passed away before this day. May I therefore request everyone to please rise and join me in observing a moment of silence in his honour and in remembrance of the late OusiKatrina Akwa’s life. [Moment of Silence] May her soul rest in eternal peace. Thank you. Please be seated.
Director of Ceremonies,
The Government of the Republic of Namibia believes that development must reach every Namibian, irrespective of where they live, their circumstances or their background. This remains one of the core priorities of the 8th Administration under the stewardship of Her Excellency Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia. We must continue to build a Namibia in which rural and marginalised communities are not viewed just as recipients of development, but as active participants, partners and owners of their own development.
Director of Ceremonies,
At this juncture, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the N/a’an ku sê Foundation and the sponsors, development partners and stakeholders whose commitment and resources have made this project possible.
I encourage the N/a’an ku sê Foundation, the sponsors and all stakeholders to continue working closely with the Government of the Republic of Namibia, the Regional and Local Authorities, traditional leadership and the community itself. Strong coordination with the Government will help ensure that initiatives such as this support our national development priorities, respond to identified community needs and create sustainable impact.
Director of Ceremonies,
As I conclude, let us remember that the true measure of this project will not be found only in the 40 houses we inaugurate today, but in the lives that will be transformed, the families that will gain greater security, and the opportunities that will emerge from this investment.
I therefore once again express my sincere appreciation to the N/a’an ku sê Foundation, the sponsors, development partners and all stakeholders whose commitment has made this achievement possible.
May the N/a’an ku sê Eco-Village stand as a lasting symbol of what we can achieve when we put people at the centre of development and work together with a shared purpose. With these remarks, it is therefore my great honour and privilege to officially inaugurate the N/a’an kusê Eco-Village Project here in Epukiro, in the Omaheke Region.
I thank you.
Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President Of The Republic Of Namibia, On The Occasion Of The Gala Dinner Of The 9th Rundu Annual Trade Fair
Theme: “Embracing Technology For Sustainable Business Growth”
Rundu Trade Fair Centre, Kavango East Region
03 October 2026
Ms. Engelberta Kisting, Special Advisor to Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia, today paid a working visit to Kameru Combined School in Opuwo, Kunene Region.
The institution serves as a dedicated facility for learners with disabilities. During her visit, Ms. Kisting motivated both learners and educators to remain steadfast and dedicated, urging the school to work tirelessly to secure a bright future for their students.
She expressed profound gratitude to the teaching staff, commending their deep care, exceptional patience, and ongoing dedication to educating learners with diverse abilities.
In line with national mandates, Ms. Kisting pledged that the Office of the Vice President will actively support the school’s academic endeavors to ensure children with disabilities receive quality, equitable education.
Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, Vice President of the Republic Namibia after delivering her speech at Ondiri General Assembly, Ovinjange Village, Kunene Region
KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY
HER EXCELLENCY LUCIA WITBOOI, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA,
ON THE OCCASION OF THE ONDIRI GENERAL ASSEMBLY
25 SEPTEMBER 2026
OVINJANGE VILLAGE | KUNENE REGION
Good morning,
It is my distinct honour and privilege to stand before you today at this General Assembly of this women-led movement, the Ondiri Peer Group, here in the Kunene Region.
At the onset, I would like to thank the leadership of Ondiri Peer Group for creating this platform dedicated to the advancement, mentorship, and solidarity of women.
These kind of platforms where women can find strategic mentorship, honest council, and unwavering support from one another are truly necessary. It is at these platforms that solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by women today are found.
Today as we gather here to celebrate the collective strength of women, we celebrate the shared vision, and the unbreakable bond of our sisterhood. I have no doubt that at the end of this general assembly, this peer network will be further strengthened, as the saying goes, in togetherness there is strength, and with this bond, women will advance as they lift one another up.
Director of Ceremonies,
Our Government strongly supports initiatives which advocates for women empowerment, as this is one of the most effective tool for national advancement. True progress cannot be realised if half of our population is left on the sidelines.
It is our Government’s aim to ensure that women are not just passive participants in development, but active leaders, whose voice contributes towards making key decision at every level of society.
We all know that the challenges women face today in our society are many. Economic exclusion, systematic barriers, social inequality still prevent many women and girls from reaching their full potential. Government intervention alone is not enough to dismantle these deep-rooted challenges they face. Therefore, we need to work together on every front in order to confront these obstacles, and that is where your peer network become necessary.
I therefore challenge every women present here today, and I say, you serve as a critical bridge in our journey for women advancement and economic emancipation. By sharing experiences and building capacity, you are building a foundation upon which those who come before you will build on moving forward.
Director of Ceremonies,
I have heard of the noble work that has been done by Ondiri Peer Group here in Kunene Region. Formed in the year 2002 by a group of young girls then, the group expanded their support to many women here in this Region, including assistance in monetary contributions to assist those in desperate situations. The group also offers counselling services and care for the most vulnerable members of the society.
Furthermore, I am pleased to have learnt that some members of Ondiri Peer Group are from the
marginalized community.
This is indeed commendable. I therefore encourage you to further expand your services and employee more women especially from the marginalized communities as well as from our people living with disabilities. In Namibia, we live on the motto of inclusivity, therefore, in all our planning and engagements, let us always ensure that no one feel left out as we move forward towards advancing the rights of women and young girls, including those with disabilities and the marginalized.
Director of Ceremonies,
I am pleased that we have gathered here under the befitting theme, “Women are the Pillars of Hope in our Communities”.
This theme reminds us that the progress of any society is directly tied to the advancement of its women.
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It further reminds us that true advancement of our economies, our families and our nation will be realized when women gather to support, mentor and uplift one another.
On this note, I have a message of solidarity for you today. Peer groups like yours, are the foundation of sustainable progress. True empowerment does not happen in isolation. It happens when we create space to share knowledge, challenge assumptions, and lift each other up.
Despite some barriers, women are rewriting history and rules of leadership in every sector. I therefore challenge the Ondiri Peer Group to take the space and be a beacon of hope and courage for young women out there. Let this peer group help advance and champion the rights of women and young girls in this Region and beyond.
I encourage you to continue working hard to strengthen this peer network of women. I urge you to think even bigger.
Let your collaborations spark new ventures, and let your collective voice sound even louder in the halls of decision-making.
I would like you to know that, your group’s strength lies in your unity and your refusal to be held back.
Therefore, let this general assembly serve as a reminder that you possess the talent, the resilience and the right to influence meaningful change. Use this assembly to break barriers, challenge the status quo, and build an environment where every woman’s potential is fully realised.
Your insights, your passion and your dedication are ingredients that will makes this peer group even more stronger. I urge you to plan and deliberate today, and build even a stronger peer group which will be a beacon of hope for women not only in this region, but the entire country at large.
Furthermore, I urge you to create sustainable projects which can empower more women economically.
We want to see women from this peer group thrive in sectors such as agriculture and tourism. I encourage you to start self-generating projects as they will assist you become more economically sustainable.
With these remarks, thank you once again for the invitation to the General Assembly of the Ondiri Peer Group. I wish you a fruitful deliberations and all the success in your future endeavors.
I thank you
Remarks By Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, Vice President Of The Republic Of Namibia, On The Occasion Of The Engagement With The Communities In Epupa Constituency
24 September 2026 Epupa Constituency | Kunene Region
It is a great honour and privilege to join you today here at Otjomuru, in the EpupaConstituency, in the Kunene Region. I bring you warm greetings from Her Excellency, Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, whose administration continues to place the development agenda of the Marginalized and Disability communities at the very centre of our national planning and budget priority.
In Namibia, no society should feel left out in any developmental agenda of the nation, and the people of Kunene are not exception.
Therefore, thank you for being here with us today. Your presence here shows your commitment to making this community, the Epupa constituency and the Kunene Region at large, a better place to live in and thrive.
Honourable Governor;
Esteemed Community Leaders,
My office received a report in August this year from the Deputy Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare on the critical drought and humanitarian situation in some villages here in Epupa Constituency, such as Otjikoyo, Otjomuru, Ohaiua and other surrounding villages.
Moreover, the report also highlights many other critical developmental issues.
For this reason, I have come to engage with the community and listen first-hand information on the ground.
We are not here today just to hold another meeting or read speeches. We are here to collaborate and to take necessary action on the specific challenges facing this community, moving forward.
I am glad that I am accompanied by the Governor of Kunene Region, who is the head of the Region and the representative of Her Excellency the President in the Region. Therefore, it is my hope that our time here together will be productive. Let this engagement be productive and profitable as we strive to confront the challenges facing the communities here in the Epupa Constituency.
We have the whole day with you here, therefore, please let us engage on matter of development, matters of concern to this community.
Once again, thank you for your hospitality, and for making time with us here today.
With these few remarks, I now open the floor for our constructive deliberations.
I thank you.



























































