IT'S official! The new team that should take Namibia into the future was recently announced! On behalf of the WAD Board of Directors, Women's Action for Development takes pleasure in congratulating the newly appointed Rt Hon. Prime Minister, Hage Geingob, on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, and all Ministers and Deputy Ministers in whom His Excellency the President had full trust to either retain, promote or to entrust them with new portfolios.

WAD in particular expresses its warmest congratulations to all the female members in Cabinet. His Excellency, President Pohamba, obviously had enough faith in them to appoint them to the positions he did. WAD expresses pride in them and prays for the wisdom and leadership qualities they will need to excel in their respective ministries.

It is unfortunately also true that women are very closely observed by their male compatriots and by the public at large to rate their performance. This phenomenon will still be with women for a long time and that puts the additional burden upon their shoulders to be simply outstanding in order to reverse this shadow of prejudice hanging over the heads of women.

Women, therefore, have the pioneering task as well, to once and for all prove to our countrymen and women that women can live up to all the expectations of their tasks and even do better.

Moreover, WAD is very pleased that young women are now also being considered for ministerial positions. It is inevitable that the younger generation will take over the reins in all fields of endeavour from the older generation.

Hence, the sooner they get the necessary exposure, the better their chances would be to take over smoothly and exercise good decisions. Lastly, WAD expresses its warmest wishes to all the amazingly gifted women out there - let us all work together and stand united!

The time for change is NOW! It is time for women to emerge from the kitchen and to enter the boardrooms and legislative chambers!

I have often expressed my admiration for the dynamism of women. I will never be convinced otherwise. May God bless Namibia, its leaders and its wonderful people!

Veronica De Klerk

WAD Executive Director