Opposition worries for Nandi-Ndaitwah’s health, advises her to slow down

…Venaani says he and late Geingob set high standard by being transparent about their health

Opposition parties have advised Swapo presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to put her health first. They say campaigning can be a highly demanding activity.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, who turns 72 today, allegedly fainted during a rally at Otjiwarongo over the weekend but has denied that her health is in any danger.

The party’s vice president yesterday addressed the health concerns in Windhoek, saying she is fine and ready to deliver her commitments for the next five years to the country, if elected as president.

“Looking at the time of the attack and the complete recovery, even when I went back to conclude my statement, I was even stronger,” she said.

She added that the medics did not see any medical issue.

“People are saying it’s a blackout. A blackout is a serious thing that you cannot recover from in such a short period,” she said.

She said she doesn’t understand what she went through but she is fine.

Nandi-Ndaitwah noted that Namibia cannot afford to have a sickly labour force because it is costly in terms of productivity.

Over the last few weeks, the vice president attended rallies at Swakopmund, Omuthiya, Keetmanshoop, Mariental, Walvis Bay, Otjiwarongo, Outapi, Oshakati and Opuwo. This is along with the electoral college and manifesto launch in Windhoek.

TRANSPARENT ABOUT HEALTH

Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venaani says he and late president Hage Geingob set a high standard, asserting that citizens should be informed about the health of political leaders.

“When I underwent open-heart surgery in 2017, the country was informed that I was in the hospital. Similarly, when I had Covid, the public knew. Even recently, when I had a severe case of the flu, the nation was notified,” he says.

Venaani has extended well wishes and a speedy recovery to the vice president.

“I believe leaders should be transparent about their health, as citizens have a right to know the condition of their leaders and any health challenges they may be facing,” says Venaani.

“I don’t think she has my political speed and stamina to have that continuous fortitude, of course,” the opposition leader says.

Republican Party president Henk Mudge (72) describes Nandi-Ndaitwah’s situation as very bad.

“One never hopes that anybody would become sick or ill or have health problems, but I mean, she’s not young and I think they’re pushing her too hard to be quite honest,” he says.

Mudge agrees with Venaani that her programme is too busy.

“I think they should take it slower. Whether she’s going to have more meetings or fewer meetings, it’s not going to make any difference in the outcome as far as I’m concerned,” the politician says.

“I would have got her to rest for two weeks and then maybe have one or two, three meetings and that’s it. But they must look after her,” he says.

United Democratic Front spokesperson Mabasen //Narib says that while Nandi-Ndaitwah’s health is personal, her role as a presidential candidate raises questions nationwide.

“After losing our late president Hage Geingob, may he rest in peace, we would like to advise that proper medical care is taken,” he says.

“If Nandi-Ndaitwah wins the election, we would not want her health situation to cast doubts over her tenure. It would not be good for the nation to constantly worry about her health, as this could lead to national concern and unease, knowing that their potential leader faces a potentially serious health issue,” says //Narib.

Swanu secretary general Wendy Christian says the vice president is not fit and healthy enough to take up a daunting task like becoming the president.

“Swapo and Nandi-Ndaitwah must be honest and truthful to themselves and the country,” Christian says.

She says an evolving world needs vibrant and young presidents.

“There is nothing wrong with reaching such an old age, and maybe only now the vice president feels she is ready, but her timing is off and we as a country cannot afford to be led by a person of such an age,” she says.

Christian says what Nandi-Ndaitwah has done and is doing is appreciated, but it’s time for the vice president to retire from politics.

Meanwhile, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa on Saturday warned ‘witches’ to leave Nandi-Ndaitwah alone.

Shaningwa was speaking at a Swapo rally at Otjiwarongo.

“I want to tell you witches that it must stop here, it must come to the end. Leave our candidate alone. Leave the presidential candidate alone. Leave the servant who is chosen by God and by men,” said Shaningwa.

“Stop it with immediate effect. It must be the last time I am hearing this,” she said.

Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga on Sunday defended Nandi-Ndaitwah’s good health.

“Our candidate is not sick. She is in excellent health and good spirits. You have seen on your television that she addressed the rally at Otjiwarongo,” Herunga said.

According to Herunga, stories that Nandi-Ndaitwah isn’t feeling well are coming from newsmongers.