Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has named Ingenesia Inge Zaamwani as the new Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, following the dismissal of her predecessor, Mac-Albert Hengari, who is facing serious criminal charges.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday, comes as Nandi-Ndaitwah moves to restore stability in a key ministry. The presidency praised Zaamwani’s extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, highlighting her previous roles as Managing Director of Namdeb, Chairperson of First National Bank of Namibia, and Special Advisor to the President on Constitutional Affairs and Private Sector Interface.
In a statement, the presidency said Zaamwani’s leadership and administrative background would be instrumental in enhancing food security, promoting value-addition, and driving job creation across the sectors she now oversees.
Zaamwani has also been appointed as a non-voting member of parliament to support her ministerial duties.
Her predecessor, Hengari, who was appointed in March, was removed after being arrested on multiple charges, including rape, gender-based violence, and kidnapping. He recently appeared in court on charges of obstructing justice and is scheduled to return on June 3. Police allege Hengari and a co-defendant attempted to bribe a woman to withdraw a rape case dating back to when she was 16.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who took office in March 2025, is Namibia’s first female president. Her swift action in appointing Zaamwani signals a firm stance on accountability and governance.