Itula defends ‘marrying the woman I love’

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) president Panduleni Itula has hit back at criticism about him being married to a white woman.

Itula was speaking at the IPC’s star rally in Windhoek on Saturday.

“Why should I be victimised for marrying the woman I love? I am castigated and deliriously called a traitor for marrying the woman I love,” he said.

He said love and partnership transcend race and personal relationships should not be subjected to political scrutiny.

“Little did I know that apartheid still existed in this country. Yes, for many who didn’t know me, perhaps they also started ridiculing me, calling me an ompompolume (bachelor).

“Seemingly they didn’t know anything about me,” he said.

“. . . is really decent and dignified for those who stood firm for the liberation of this country to be cast outside?” he asked.

Itula said many of Namibia’s liberation heroes and heroines have been similarly treated.

“While I married the woman I love, I remember arriving at the wedding of Peter and Jane Katjavivi in Oxford. He was my mentor,” he said.

Itula said such criticism is misplaced and detracts from the real issues Namibia is faced with.

“It is disappointing that in 2024, we are still addressing matters of race when the focus should be on tackling pressing national challenges, such as unemployment, education, and economic inequality,” he said.

Itula is married to Shonag McKenzie, who is based in the United Kingdom.

“Why should I be victimised for a woman who stood, come rain or shine, in the streets of Sheffield to collect funds for the Swapo refugee camps in KwaZaSulu and Lusaka?” he asked.

“She will be your first lady on 28 November.”