Presidential Task Force - a robust semi-formal approach
Mihe Gaomab II
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has established a Presidential Task Force to accelerate economic recovery and resilience, as well as reforms in health, land tenure, housing and other key areas. These are essential social delivery priorities that previous presidents have identified, but which now require a more focused and accelerated approach to implementation, in line with the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
The President’s decision reflects an understanding that, while these priorities are not new, the current context demands greater urgency and coordination to ensure effective delivery. The emphasis is therefore not only on policy direction, but on execution and measurable outcomes.
In both government and business, a task force is typically a temporary structure created to address a specific challenge. It is generally regarded as a semi-formal mechanism. A task force, more commonly referred to as such, is a special committee - usually composed of experts -established expressly to study a particular issue and propose solutions.
Phases
Task forces usually operate over a defined period, often between six and 12 months, and in some cases up to 18 months. Their work can be broadly divided into two phases. The first is a fact-finding phase, during which data is gathered, challenges are analysed and options are assessed.
The second phase centres on coordination and execution. In this case, the Task Force Coordinator, who is the Director General of the National Planning Commission, serves as the main point of contact. The coordinator is responsible for convening meetings, linking stakeholders, recruiting members, maintaining momentum and ensuring strict, periodic reporting to the President.
Key considerations for an effective task force include diversity, the appropriate mix of skills, inclusivity, strategic execution, size, timing and subject-matter expertise. Equally important are clear reporting obligations and a strong focus on implementation.
SMART approach
The task force should follow a SMART approach, ensuring that its objectives are specific, measurable, realistic, achievable and time-bound. This should be complemented by contemporary environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles that prioritise sustainability, sound governance and environmental responsibility.
The composition of the task force signals that “business as usual” is no longer sufficient, and reinforces the belief that “Namibia is too small to be poor”. A shared “unity of purpose” should be driven by ethical leadership, dedication, integrity and commitment.
However, it is essential that the task force also benefits from broader advisory input. This should include civil society, traditional authorities, churches, youth and women’s organisations, among others.
While it is encouraging that experts from diverse sectors across Namibia have been included, inclusivity should extend beyond technical expertise to ensure meaningful representation of youth, women, including girl and boy child advocacy, and persons with disabilities, all of whom have valuable contributions to make.
* Mihe Gaomab II is the President of the Namibian Economic Society.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has established a Presidential Task Force to accelerate economic recovery and resilience, as well as reforms in health, land tenure, housing and other key areas. These are essential social delivery priorities that previous presidents have identified, but which now require a more focused and accelerated approach to implementation, in line with the objectives of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
The President’s decision reflects an understanding that, while these priorities are not new, the current context demands greater urgency and coordination to ensure effective delivery. The emphasis is therefore not only on policy direction, but on execution and measurable outcomes.
In both government and business, a task force is typically a temporary structure created to address a specific challenge. It is generally regarded as a semi-formal mechanism. A task force, more commonly referred to as such, is a special committee - usually composed of experts -established expressly to study a particular issue and propose solutions.
Phases
Task forces usually operate over a defined period, often between six and 12 months, and in some cases up to 18 months. Their work can be broadly divided into two phases. The first is a fact-finding phase, during which data is gathered, challenges are analysed and options are assessed.
The second phase centres on coordination and execution. In this case, the Task Force Coordinator, who is the Director General of the National Planning Commission, serves as the main point of contact. The coordinator is responsible for convening meetings, linking stakeholders, recruiting members, maintaining momentum and ensuring strict, periodic reporting to the President.
Key considerations for an effective task force include diversity, the appropriate mix of skills, inclusivity, strategic execution, size, timing and subject-matter expertise. Equally important are clear reporting obligations and a strong focus on implementation.
SMART approach
The task force should follow a SMART approach, ensuring that its objectives are specific, measurable, realistic, achievable and time-bound. This should be complemented by contemporary environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles that prioritise sustainability, sound governance and environmental responsibility.
The composition of the task force signals that “business as usual” is no longer sufficient, and reinforces the belief that “Namibia is too small to be poor”. A shared “unity of purpose” should be driven by ethical leadership, dedication, integrity and commitment.
However, it is essential that the task force also benefits from broader advisory input. This should include civil society, traditional authorities, churches, youth and women’s organisations, among others.
While it is encouraging that experts from diverse sectors across Namibia have been included, inclusivity should extend beyond technical expertise to ensure meaningful representation of youth, women, including girl and boy child advocacy, and persons with disabilities, all of whom have valuable contributions to make.
* Mihe Gaomab II is the President of the Namibian Economic Society.
