I do not want to lead a disunited nation –Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Swapo party presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for unity in diversity among Namibians for the country’s economic liberation.

Speaking at a star rally at Walvis Bay on Saturday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said the country is too small for poverty and hunger, and that working together was important.

“We are delivering and we are going to deliver. Just give us that chance. Rome was not build in one day. We have done a lot in those 34 years. We must be proud as Namibians and Swapo party members. When I launched the manifesto, I also released my leadership philosophy. I do not want to lead a disunited nation, but a nation that is united. Our cultural difference should not be a source to divide us, but to put us together, hence unity in diversity,” she said.

She expressed happiness in members that are joining and rejoining the party, noting that they are important in the prosperity of the nation.

“When I say come back, I mean come back. We will see you as part of the family. We are comrades. We have something in common. During the struggle, our common goal was to liberate our continent. Today, our common goal is to liberate our country economically. We are too few to be poor and hungry. I am not promising. I am saying that I am committed and want everyone to be committed, so that we can assure that Namibia occupies a rightful position internationally, rely on its own resources and feed its own people. The foundations built are strong enough. It gives me all the confidence and all the power.” She said. She called for commitment in claiming back the Erongo region, which is an important economic region.

“Erongo region is one of the economic centres of Namibia. It is a home to our fishing industry and other marine resources.

It has unique features and attractions to tourists. Most minerals are also found here. When we talk of the natural resources beneficiation and youth empowerment for sustainable development, Erongo has a lot to offer. We will continue to put in place the right laws to ensure maximum benefit for the majority of Namibians, while recognising the importance of investors both local and foreign.” she said

She continues that the region’s successes as recently announced at the Erongo state of the region address relate to what is in Swapo’s election manifesto in terms of national projects.

Successes of these capital projects, she said, include road networks, health and social welfare, education, potable water and electrification, which is an indication of the government’s ongoing successful service delivery.

‘We are not going to plan.

We have already planned, because we have all the information. We know what is happening in this country.

We are going to implement. With every step, we will evaluate our work.

The reasons why we put in the manifesto the monitoring and evaluation programme is to ensure its full implementation and where we may fall short, there must be compelling reasons. “ she said.

She reiterated the party’s commitment to youth empowerment to contribute to the country’s socio-economic well-being.

Job creation, she said, remains important in taking the youth out of poverty and creating sustainable development despite the economic challenges.