Maxmus Halwoodi
In just 365 days in office, Ngurare has distinguished himself as a leader whose actions reflect the true epitome of humanity; defined not by words, but by presence, empathy, and decisive action.
On numerous occasions, he emphasized that the true measure of humanity lies not in the qualifications we possess, but in the compassion we show toward one another. Through this belief, he has consistently demonstrated that humanity is the greatest asset in leadership.
One of the most remarkable demonstrations of his humanity leadership was his decision to camp in the deep forest of Mukuve. This was not a ceremonial gesture, but a deliberate effort to connect with the lived realities of remote communities.
For me, it evoked my childhood memories of the days I spent camping in the wilderness to harvest mopane worms in order to pay school fees. Yet for him, the mission carried a deeper purpose: to ensure that remote schools such as Mukuve and Ongudi are equipped with proper sanitation facilities, restoring dignity to both teachers and learners.
His vision extends beyond immediate interventions to long-term national resilience. He has been at the forefront of advocating for a food-secure Namibia which saw him engaging traditional authorities across all 14 regions to allocate land for community gardens, each supported by a borehole. The thriving pilotcommunity garden in Otjombinde, in the Talismanus area, stands as a living testament to this initiative.
Ngurare has also proven to be a tireless communicator of the vision and manifesto of the 8th Administration. In an unexpected yet impactful moment, he appeared at church services not only to worship, but to engage directly withcongregations on government programmes such as the Youth Development Fund, food for work-cash for work just to mention a few. Such gestures reflect a leader who meets citizens where they are.
Breaking with tradition, he became the first Prime Minister to conduct comprehensive meet-and-greet visits across all government ministries, agencies, and institutions. This initiative allowed him to personally feel and assess the working conditions under which public servants operate and to better understand the challenges faced in delivering services to the people.
In one of his candid reflections, he jokingly remarked on the need for a “Faculty of Common Sense” in universities, highlighting a critical gap in leadership and decision-making. His message was clear: effective governance requires not only qualifications, but practical wisdom coupled with humanity, common sense and a genuine commitment to serving citizens.
Further underscoring his human-centered leadership, he launched the Prime Minister’s Charity Foundation, aimed at strengthening capacity for struggling local authorities and accelerating decentralization.
His compassion is equally evident in his response to pressing social challenges, particularly youth empowerment and the unemployment crisis. Through the launch of the Youth Development Fund, he has taken a bold step toward enabling young people to unlock their potential—an initiative widely seen as a reflection of his commitment to uplifting some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Ngurare’s leadership style is further defined by his unannounced visits to public projects. At Gobabis State Hospital, he encountered deplorable conditions in the ICU and maternity wards, with renovations reportedly stalled for nearly a decade. His immediate engagement with stakeholders accelerated progress, reinforcing his belief that government work should not remain indefinitely “in the pipeline.”
When nearly 500 learners in Ndama faced losing access to education due to the closure of an unregistered community school, Ngurare acted swiftly. By bringing together village leadership and key stakeholders, he helped restore hope and secure the future of these children.
A firm believer in synergy, Ngurare has consistently called for unity, collaboration, and collective responsibility across all sectors of society.
In response to recent cyberattacks affecting Namibian institutions, he has repeatedly emphasized the urgent need for a locally owned and controlled national data center. This, he argues, is essential for safeguarding the country’s digital sovereignty and ensuring the security of its information systems.
In a bold move to empower local entrepreneurs, particularly those involved in wood carving, he championed procurement policies that prioritize locally produced furniture before sourcing from outside the country. This initiative not only supports livelihoods but also strengthens the local economy.
More recently, he recognized the struggles of young entrepreneurs involved in the “Order With Me” business, many of whom have voiced concerns over challenges with NAMRA. In response, he called for constructive engagement with all relevant stakeholders to find amicable solutions, aimed at enabling these youth to operate in a more favorable and conducive environment while still complying with existing regulations.
Ngurare’s 365 days in office paint the picture of a leader deeply committed to humanity, dignity, and development. His hands-on approach, coupled with a clear vision for a self-reliant Namibia, sets him apart as a servant of the people.
Maximus Halwoodi is spokesperson in the Office of the Prime Minister.He writes this in his personal capacity.
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