Windhoek — The Swapo Central Committee (CC) endorsed the proposed chairpersons of national leaders for the regions and members of the secretariat at a two-day meeting held over the weekend. The CC also deliberated on other issues facing the country, including looming floods in Caprivi and Kavango and the drought situation in some areas.

"The Central Committee was also informed that the government has undertaken field assessment on the drought and flood situations and will soon come up with an action plan in order to mitigate the effect of these natural calamities on the affected communities," Swapo Secretary-General Nangolo Mbumba said in a statement.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who opened the meeting on Friday, said the country was facing the possibility of natural disasters this year. "I have instructed the relevant government offices, ministries and agencies to put the necessary machinery in motion to ensure that our people who need assistance to cope with these natural disasters are assisted," he said.

John Mutorwa will head Caprivi Region, while Ben Amathila will be the chairperson of Erongo Region. The Khomas Region will be led by Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Bernard Esau becomes chairperson of the Hardap Region and Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana will head Karas Region. Immanuel Ngatjizeko will direct Omaheke, while Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila becomes the Oshana chairperson. Dr Albert Kawana, Dr Nickey Iyambo and Nahas Angula will lead Omusati, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa respectively.

Ohangwena will fall under Erkki Nghimtina as new chairperson of national leaders, while Charles Namoloh takes Kunene north. Kunene south will be manned by Alpheus !Naruseb, Tsumkwe by Tjekro Tweya and Omatako area by Kazenambo Kazenambo.

The CC also endorsed members of the secretariat as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for external relations, Erkki Nghimtina for defence and security, Alpheus !Naruseb for economic affairs and Immanuel Ngatjizeko for finance. Helmut Angula will head information and mobolisation while Katrina Hanse-Himarwa will lead labour.

Education, Culture and Sport will fall under John Mutorwa; legal affairs will be taken over by Dr Albert Kawana and Dr Nickey Iyambo will lead health and social services.

Jerry Ekandjo and Charles Namoloh will head transport and environment affairs respectively. The CC announced that the Extraordinary Congress is to take place on June 20-23.