Namibia High Commisioner to Nigeria. Amb. Walden Nantangwe Ndevashiya.
The appointment of three distinguished Namibian leaders to provide leadership for PAGMACA 2026 marks a significant recognition of Namibia’s growing influence in governance, diplomacy, and municipal excellence across Africa. Selected for their outstanding records in public service, institutional leadership, and community development, the trio represent a powerful blend of technical expertise, visionary governance, and transformational leadership.
Those appointed to lead PAGMACA 2026 are Honourable Leonard Hango, Honourable Councillor Annalize Knaus, and Rev/Hon Taarah Taloshili Shalyefu.
Their emergence as key figures for PAGMACA 2026 reflects a shared commitment to excellence in governance, sustainable development, and people-centred leadership.
Mayor Leonard Hango
Honourable Leonard Hango is widely regarded as one of Namibia’s most accomplished contemporary leaders, with a career that successfully bridges technical expertise, executive administration, and civic service.
He has earned national respect for his contributions in water resources management, environmental sustainability, municipal governance, and public administration. In an era where nations require leaders who understand both policy and implementation, Hango has distinguished himself as a results-oriented professional whose work has directly improved communities and strengthened institutions.
As an expert in water security and governance, he represents a modern model of African leadership rooted in education, shaped by experience, and focused on practical solutions. His record demonstrates that public office can be used not only for representation, but for measurable progress and national resilience.
Mayor Councillor Annalize Knaus
Honourable Councillor Annalize Knaus represents a dynamic generation of African municipal leaders whose impact is seen in both policy achievements and visible community transformation.
As Mayor of Keetmanshoop, she has built a reputation as a progressive and compassionate leader who combines strategic planning with practical service delivery. Her leadership style has earned trust among citizens while positioning local government as a driver of economic growth, innovation, and inclusion.
Keetmanshoop, known for its proximity to the famous Quiver Tree Forest, serves as an important administrative, commercial, and transport centre in southern Namibia. Under her stewardship, the municipality has continued to evolve into a more responsive, inclusive, and opportunity-driven city.
Her administration has promoted balanced development while preserving community identity, ensuring progress benefits households, businesses, students, senior citizens, and vulnerable groups alike.
Rev/ Mayor Taarah Taloshili Shalyefu
Rev/Hon Taarah Taloshili Shalyefu is a distinguished Namibian leader whose life and career reflect a rare blend of faith-based service, educational excellence, public administration, and transformational governance.
A trained teacher, ordained priest, educational administrator, and political leader, he has built an impressive record of leadership across multiple sectors including education, religion, labour advocacy, youth development, and municipal administration.
His professional journey began in the classroom, where he served as an Accounting teacher known for discipline, professionalism, and commitment to student success. Beyond academic instruction, he was recognised for mentoring young people, promoting values, and preparing future leaders.
Over the years, he expanded his service into civic and political leadership, where he continued to demonstrate integrity, wisdom, and commitment to institutional growth.
He is also a proud recipient of the Papyrus Global Local Government and Mayor’s Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to governance and community development.
A Strong Leadership Team for PAGMACA 2026
The selection of these three distinguished Namibian leaders to guide PAGMACA 2026 reflects confidence in their collective experience, character, and leadership capacity.
Together, Honourable Leonard Hango, Honourable Councillor Annalize Knaus, and Rev/Hon Taarah Taloshili Shalyefu bring expertise in technical administration, municipal governance, community development, education, diplomacy, and public policy.
Their leadership is expected to strengthen PAGMACA’s vision of promoting excellence in governance, empowering local institutions, fostering sustainable development, and celebrating transformational leadership across Africa and beyond.
As PAGMACA 2026 approaches, Namibia’s representatives stand ready to provide purposeful leadership and inspire a new era of service-driven progress.
