President dismisses Ithete, takes charge of Mines Ministry

Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangue Ithete. (Photo contributed) NAMPA

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, this afternoon, relieved Natangwe Ithete of his duties as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, according to a media statement issued by State House.

State House Press Secretary Jonas Mbambo confirmed the development, saying that further details would be provided in a scheduled briefing.

The presidency said the decision forms part of broader efforts to strengthen coordination and oversight within the energy and industrial sectors.

Bloomberg reported in March that Namibia had reorganised its oil ministry to improve efficiency and streamline decision-making as the country prepares for potential large-scale oil production.

This is the second time Ithete has been dismissed from government service. In an earlier report by The Namibian, Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein castigated Ithete, then serving as his deputy, over allegations of corruption and financial misconduct. (The Namibian, 2015).

In April this year, The Namibian also reported President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s pledge of “zero tolerance” for corruption in the oil and gas sector, emphasising transparency and accountability as Namibia moves to develop its petroleum resources.

Meanwhile, the State House announced that President Nandi-Ndaitwah will engage with staff members of the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy on Monday, 27 October 2025, at 09h00, at the ministry’s headquarters.