Born on 17 March 1958, in Okahenge, Oshana Region, Hon. Tom Alweendo was appointed as Minister of Mines and Energy in February 2018.

In March 2010 he was appointed by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba as Director General of the National Planning Commission (NPC). The National Planning Commission is a Constitutional body that is tasked with the responsibility to plan the priorities and direction of national development. In March 2015 he was appointed by President Hage G. Geingob as Minister of Economic Planning and also as Director General of the NPC.

Before he was appointed as Director General of the National Planning Commission, Alweendo served as Governor of the Bank of Namibia from January 1997-March 2010. He was the first Namibian to serve as Governor of the Bank of Namibia when he was appointed by Namibia's Founding President His Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma. Before being appointed as Governor, he served as Deputy Governor for four years (1993-1996). Among some of his achievements during his tenure at the Bank of Namibia are the establishment of the local currency, the Namibia Dollar; the localization of the payments and banking systems; and the establishment of the Financial Intelligence Center.

As Director General of the National Planning Commission, Hon. Tom Alweendo presided over the drafting of Namibia's fourth National Development Plan (NDP4). The NDP4 prioritized specific economic sectors that are perceived to have more potential to grow the economy and provide employment opportunities. This is notably agriculture, logistics, tourism, and manufacturing. The Plan also propounds a hands-on approach with regard to the Government's role in economic development albeit in closer and effective collaboration with the private sector. Over the course of the NDP4 period the Namibian economy grew on average at 5.7 percent, despite the global economic crises and current global commodity crises.

Hon Alweendo holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

Hon. Kornelia Shilunga was appointed as the Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy and became the first women Deputy Minister at the Ministry. 

Hon. Shilunga holds two Masters Degrees, one in Business Administration with (ESAMI), and another Masters degree in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Namibia (UNAM).  She also holds a Bachelor Degree in Nursing Education and Community Health and a Diploma in Nursing Science General, Community Psychiatry and Midwifery Sciences, also from UNAM.

Before joining the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Hon. Shilunga constructed a satisfactory employment history.  The assiduous Deputy Minister worked in various positions as a teacher and a registered nurse.   She also worked as at the Office of the President as a Liaison Officer for the Department of Women Affairs, where she headed two regions, respectively Oshana and Omusati region. Hon. Shilunga also worked for the Ministry of Gender and Child welfare where she held the position of a Chief Liaison Officer. 

Hon. Shilunga has been an entrepreneur for the past nine years. She was also a member of the Advisory Committee of Skill Share International in Namibia, and a member of the Women and Child Protection Unit Committee for Oshana Region. A member of the Prison`s Zonal Release Board in the Ministry of Safety and Security, responsible for Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Kunene Regions.  She was also a member of the Oshakati East Constituency Development Committee (CDC) and a member of the Oshana Regional Food Security & Nutrition Program.   

Mr Penda Ithindi is an economist by profession and has served in various management and advisory capacities within the public sector.

Prior to joining the Ministry of Mines and Energy (December 2023) as the Executive Director, Mr Ithindi worked as a Deputy Executive Director for Administration, Planning and Marketing at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform since August 2021.

He has accumulated over 16 years of senior management experience in financial, fiscal policy and regulatory oversight, having served as a Deputy Executive Director and Senior Technical Economic Advisor to the Minister of Finance over 2016 to 2021 period and, as a Fiscal & Markets Developments Policy Advisor since 2007 at the same institution.

As such, during his previous employment tenure, Mr Ithindi has facilitated the formulation and implementation of various policy and institutional reforms, including regulatory oversight of fiscal and financial markets policies, both for the banking and non-bank financial services sectors, in addition to other functions related to macroeconomic and fiscal policy advice.

He holds a Master of Science Degree in Financial Economics from the University of London, UK (2001) and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Mathematics from St. Olaf College, Minnesota, USA (1993). Other professional training includes a Certificate in Leading Economic Growth from Harvard University (September 2022), Governance Board membership experience at the Road Fund Administration (RFA), the Government Institution Pension Fund (GIPF), Namibia Competition Commission (NCC) and Namibia Stock Exchange (NSE) and a host of training in the macroeconomic, financial markets and fiscal policy sphere.

Mr. Erasmus Shivolo holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, Socorro New Mexico, USA (1995). He attended several engineering courses in Geology, Mining and Electrical Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado in USA. In 1984 he obtained a National Diploma in Electrical and Electronics circuits from the City & Guilds of London Institute, as well as Trade Certificate in the same course from the Government Technical and Commercial College Ombe, Cameroon.

He has served in several positions in the Department of Mines such as Inspector of Mine Machinery, Chief Engineer, Deputy Director and Director of Mines. During 1997 - 2002, he was responsible to manage the European Union funded Sysmin Programme. He is the Head of Department and the Deputy Executive Director - Department of Mines.

Mr. Shivolo has served, and still serves on numerous government boards and committees for the implementation of government directives and programmes. He is a registered Engineer with the Engineering Council of Namibia.

Gloria Namwi Simubali was born on 7th June 1980 in Katima Mulilo. Her basic education alma mater includes Bukalo Primary School (1985-1986), Mavuluma Primary School (1987-1991) and Kizito College (1992-1996). She is an alumna of the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), South Africa.

Ms Simubali's work experience began at the age of 17 as a Bank Teller at Bank Windhoek Oshakati Branch. After completing her undergraduate degree at UNAM, she worked as Mathematics and Physical Science Teacher for Grades 11 and 12 at Iipumbu Secondary School in Oshakati (2002-2003). She then joined the Geological Survey of Namibia, within the Ministry of Mines and Energy as a Junior Geologist in the Economic Geology Division (2003-2005). Upon completion of her postgraduate degree at WITS, was subsequently confirmed as Geologist (2006-2008); Senior Geochemist (2008-2010); Chief Geochemist (2010-2012); Deputy Director for Geochemistry and Laboratory Division (2012-2016); Director of Applied Geoscience (2016 -2018); Deputy Permanent Secretary (now Deputy Executive Director) for the Geological Survey Department (2018 to Present).

Ms Simubali is a registered professional Senior Geoscientist with the Geoscience Council of Namibia. She serves in various capacities on a number of local and international scientific and non-scientific organizations and committees where she represents the Ministry, the Country and the African Continent.

Mr. John Titus graduated at the University of Namibia with BSc degree majors in Physics and Chemistry. He was then employed at the institution as Junior Lecturer from 1993 to 1995. He joined the Ministry of Mines and Energy in 1995 as Petroleum Inspector and was promoted to Deputy Director in 2001 and then to Director: Administration and Finance in 2005. In December 2014 he was appointed as Director of Energy.

Mr. Titus is responsible for the Management of Namibia Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) which consist of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of electricity. This, amongst others, includes the Security of Supply; Effective Governance; Social Upliftment; Economic Competitiveness and Efficiency of the electricity industry. Mr. Titus was pivotal in the recent developed National Energy Policies (National Energy Policy, Renewable Energy Policy, Independent Power Producers Policy) as well the development of the Electricity - and National Energy Regulatory Bill. He also oversaw the construction of 18 renewable energy power plants, adding 125 MW to the national grid during his current incumbency.

Vacant.

A well balanced and sage manager with an astute petroleum supply and trading acumen, who can deliver supply and trading strategies and financial objectives of an oil company; a judicious leader that, can solve real-world problems using a vast array of skill sets over multiple categories.

Over 15 years' experience in petroleum regulations, energy management and pricing, energy infrastructures finance. Forward thinking and analytical with fresh perspectives in evaluating viable and real-time options. Acquired extensive experience and knowledge in petroleum downstream activities such as supply and trading, refined petroleum products shipping, petroleum products pricing as well as renewables energy technologies financing.

Executed the 50% fuel importation contracts between Namibia Liquid Fuel (Pty) Ltd and Namcor. Facilitated the funding for Namcor operational activities after the revocation of the 50% fuel importation mandate in 2010. Negotiated and facilitated facility agreements between NEF and DBN/AfDB to finance the strategic oil storage project at Walvis Bay. Served as a board of Director of Namcor, Vice chairperson of the Board as well as in various board committees ranging from trading, audit and risk, human resources and technical from 2011-2020.

Managing and administering the annual budget for the National Energy Fund, with a total revenue of over N$3 billion and total expenditure of over N$2 billion. Managing and administering the fuel stabilization Fund. Managing and administering the Solar Revolving Fund (SRF) annual budget.

Hold a master's in international business (MIB) at the University of Science and Technology, Bachelor of Commerce from University of South Africa, Diploma in Public Management from the University of Science and Technology, Certificate on Intensive Petroleum Downstream, Certificate on Petroleum Upstream, and a Certificate on Energy Planning and Policy. Currently studying toward an MBA in Oil and Gas Management at Robert Gordon University in UK.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Leadership, Strategy & Execution, Petroleum Supply and Trading, Fuel Pricing, International Oil Trading and Shipping, Petroleum Distribution, Performance Management, Emotional Intelligent, Financial Management, Budgeting, Investment, Risk Management,Regulatory Compliance, Relationship Management and Project Management

Mrs. Miina Auene Gahutu is the Director for the Directorate of Diamond Affairs at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. She has also been appointed as a Diamond Commissioner. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Economics at the University of Namibia. In 2004 she obtained an MSC in Environmental and Development Economics from the University of Oslo, Norway. Further to that, In March 2008 she completed a short course at the International Institute of Mining and Technology, Kosaka, Japan in Geological Mapping and Mineral Information Management and in October 2011 she signed up with the Western Australia, School of Mines, Curtin University whereby she obtained a qualification in Mineral Resources, Regulation and Management.

Mrs Isabella Chirchir Mrs Isabella Kandjii- Chirchir is the Director in the Department of Mines since September 2018. She was also appointed as the Mining Commissioner with effect from 28 October 2022. Isabella holds a Bachelor's degree in Science which she obtained from the University of Namibia where she majored in Chemistry and Geology. In 2007 she obtained an Honours degree in Geology from the University of Cape town in South Africa. In 2018, she graduated with a Master of Science degree in Applied Geology from the University of Namibia.



Isabella has held several positions in the Ministry of Mines and Energy where she started out as an assistant geologist in the Geochemistry and Laboratory division of the Geological Survey of Namibia before being promoted to the positions of Geologist and Senior Geologist in 2007 and 2008 respectively. In 2012, she moved to the Department of Mines to take up a position of Chief Geologist in the Small-scale mining Division. In 2013, she was promoted to the position of Deputy Director responsible for the small-scale mining division. A position from which she rose to occupy the positions of Director and later designated as a Mining Commissioner.

Isabella has served and still serves on several government committees including the Joint Value Addition Committee (JVAC) that was responsible for the development of the Mineral Beneficiation Strategy of Namibia, the Mine Closure Committee which will implement the Mine Closure Framework, Extractive International Transparency Initiatives (EITI) Inter-ministerial Committee, which will oversee Namibia subscribing to the EITI. She is registered with the Geoscience Council of Namibia.

Mrs Maggy Shino was born on 31 March 1981 at Omaanda village in Omusati Region. She attended primary school at Onangalo Primary School and completed secondary school at Mweshipandeka High School in 1998. For tertiary studies, she attended the University of Namibia graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 2003. She further obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Petroleum Geochemistry with the University of Newcastle, United Kingdom, for which she graduated in 2005

Mrs Shino started her career working for the Ministry of Mines and Energy as an Energy Researcher in 2004. She was promoted to Petroleum Inspector, Petroleum Geoscientist, Chief Petroleum Geoscientist and later Deputy Director for the Petroleum Exploration, Production and Promotion Division. From 1 October 2015, Mrs. Shino was appointed as the Petroleum Commissioner. She is currently the Director for the Petroleum Affairs Directorate, a position she held since 1 August 2017.

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