Gen Z shines at Swapo ‘pot’

Swapo’s electoral college, which concluded yesterday, yielded a crop of fresh young parliamentary candidates.

Among them are University of Namibia student and youth activist Fenny Tutjavi (22).

She secured the 29th spot on the list, having been hand-picked by vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Tutjavi said her primary focus is advocating for the interests of young people.

“My agenda remains representing my constituency, which is the young people,” she said.

Tutjavi said young people should not shy away from politics if they want to be part of decision-making processes.

Minister of information and communication technology (ICT) Emma Theofelus (28), who was de-campaigned in the run-up to the election, is regarded as a surprise after being placed ninth on the list.

“I can’t express myself right now. I am exhausted,” she said yesterday.

Another winner is minister of finance and public enterprises Iipumbu Shiimi, who made it to the list’s sixth position.

He was de-campaigned for blocking controversial transactions that cost tax-payers funds, such as those involving SME Bank, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia and the Meat Corporation of Namibia, which gobbled up N$700 million of taxpayers’ money.

Minister of environment, forestry and tourism Pohamba Shifeta was voted to the 20th position, further down than before.

“It’s not about past positions. It’s not a cause for concern. I am still happy and grateful to be on the list and serve in the next parliament,” he said last night.

Swapo’s electoral college results for female candidates:

Minister of mines and energy Tom Alweendo could only manage 55th place.

Alweendo was targeted by Nandi-Ndaiwah’s faction for saying Namibians are not entitled to exploration licences.

Alweendo was also crucial in supporting the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia board to clean up the corruption-tainted national oil company, which was allegedly involved in oil transactions of over N$500 million linked to military outfit Enercon.

First National Bank’s head of business and public sector, Dino Ballotti, said he was uncertain about the immediate future.

“I think we’ll take it one step at a time. I’m ready to serve in any position. Entrepreneurship, SME development and sport are my passion,” he said.

Prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila said she has always been available to serve Swapo.

“It’s an honour and privilege and I will give it my everything, as I have done,” she said.

Making a comeback, Alpheus !Naruseb said the competition was fierce, but the outcome was accepted.

“We will be a united force to campaign to retain what we lost in 2019,” he said.

The youngest central committee member, Willem Hamutenya (35), said his inclusion in the National Assembly list is victory for the youth.

“It has been long that we have been demanding that young people should be added to the table of decision-making and the dream has come true,” he said.

Swapo lawmaker Tobie Aupindi yesterday said the pot was hot with quality candidates.

“Any of these candidates would have made it and still produced good results,” he said.

Deputy minister of ICT Modestus Amutse, who made it to the top of the men’s list, pledged not to disappoint.

“I appreciate the support and trust the people have in me and I pledge not to disappoint the party and the members of Swapo,” he said yesterday.

Political analyst Rui Tyitende described politics as the art of the possible and compromise.

“The resurrection of Elijah Ngurare is interesting on account of allegations that Nandi-Ndaitwah once tabled a motion at a politburo in 2015 meeting to have him expelled.

Tyitende said the list suggests that Swapo is not ready for radical changes.