Namibian president takes over ministry of mines, energy and industry

WINDHOEK, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Namibia's President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has removed Natangwe Ithete from his posts as deputy prime minister and minister of industry, mines and energy, the presidency said in a statement on Sunday. "In the interest of ensuring continuity and effective coordination within this key sector, President Nandi-Ndaitwah will assume responsibility for the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, effective immediately," the statement said. It did not give a reason. Ithete was appointed to the posts in March as part of Nandi-Ndaitwah's new administration. He remains a member of parliament, the statement said. Resource-rich Namibia is aiming for its first crude oil production by 2030 after several major discoveries in recent years. It mines commodities like uranium and diamonds. (Reporting by Nyasha Nyaungwa; Additional reporting by Wendell Roelf; Writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Alexander Winning)

(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)