Government has appointed a new Land Reform Advisory Commission to steer Namibia’s commercial land reform programme as authorities intensify efforts to address land inequality and strengthen agricultural productivity.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake announced the appointments during the official farewell of outgoing commissioners and induction of incoming members.
The newly appointed commissioners are Petrina Mpahleni, Alexandria Angala, Thomas Uuyuni, Adolf Muremi, Kay-Dieter Rumpf, Manfred Rukoro and Nguvitjita Kapere, while Petrus Canisius Nangolo, Charles Uugwanga, Frans Kamati and Paulus Hausiku were reappointed to the commission.
Alfred Sikopo will serve as Acting Chairperson, while Nangolo retains the position of Deputy Chairperson.
The commissioners’ term will run from 1 May 2026 to 31 April 2029.
“Broadly speaking, the primary role of the Land Reform Advisory Commission is to advise the Minister responsible for land reform on matters relating to the acquisition, allocation and administration of commercial agricultural land for land reform purposes,” Masake said.
She said land reform remains one of government’s key national priorities under the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act of 1995 and is aligned with the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
According to Masake, the programme is aimed at correcting historical land imbalances while ensuring productive land use to support rural livelihoods, employment creation and economic growth.
She urged the incoming commissioners to execute their responsibilities with commitment and a strong sense of national duty as government seeks to accelerate land reform efforts.
The appointments were made as part of a three-day induction programme aimed at equipping the commissioners with policy and operational knowledge required to carry out their mandate.
