Former president Hage Geingob’s top politicians were among those who were de-campaigned at the Swapo parliament list election this past weekend.
This includes prime minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi, mines minister Tom Alweendo, and justice minister Yvonne Dausab.
The others are information minister Emma Theofelus, National Planning Commission director general Obeth Kandjoze and Otjozondjupa governor James Uerikua.
Additionally, a 48-person list aimed at “fooling” young delegates into believing they stand a good chance of making it to the parliament was allegedly circulated at the venue.
Central committee member John Elago yesterday confirmed the alleged victimisation.
“Members who are being de-campaigned have faith in the delegates. The delegates would not be swayed by a list intended to buy votes,” he said.
The Swapo electoral college, known as the ‘pot’ was expected to produce the party’s elected list of parliamentarians for next year’s National Assembly.
However, complaints were rife that a targeted campaign against Geingob’s ministers existed.
Geingob injected new politicians into the system with various technical capacities to improve government efficiency, but it appears his intentions could be thwarted.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila was allegedly victimised. She challenged the party leadership two years ago.
The prime minister is now said to be targeted for, among others, her decision to prioritise rural areas in the government’s drought-relief programme.
Some party members have allegedly pushed for the distribution to be extended to urban areas, where Swapo is trying to appeal for votes in the upcoming elections.
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila yesterday said the spirit of unity must prevail.
“With a sober mind knowing we are representing the broad membership of Swapo to elect from among party members who are all loyal and vetted to be capable of doing the job of representing the party in a spirit of unity and comradeship,” she told New Era yesterday.
GEINGOB’S TECHNOCRATS
Posters were circulated on WhatsApp over the weekend targeting Shiimi for blocking controversial transactions that cost tax-payers money.
These transactions are related to SME Bank, the National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor), and the Meat Corporation of Namibia, which honked up N$700 million of taxpayers’ money.
Shiimi, who made it to the men’s pot yesterday, did not respond to The Namibian’s questions when approached.
“I am in a hurry,” he said.
Alweendo, WhatsApp posters show, was targeted by vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaiwah’s faction for saying Namibians are not entitled to exploration licences.
Alweendo also supported Namcor’s board in cleaning up the corruption-tainted national oil company, which took part in oil transactions of over N$500 million linked to a military outfit called Enercon.
The minister did not answer questions yesterday.
Swapo’s parliamentary lists are expected to be announced today.
The voting process was delayed yesterday.
By 17h30 it has still not started.
Sources said the printing of ballot papers were not done.
‘YOU ARE ALL MY FAVOURITES’
During the official opening of the electoral college in Windhoek yesterday, Nandi-Ndaitwah called for unity.
“As your leader, I have been and will continue to tell you that you are all my favourites. We must continue to have that and continue to work as a team,” she said.
Minister of sport, youth and national service Agnes Tjongarero, who has been publicly blasted by Nandi-Ndaitwah over the delay in renovating Independence Stadium, yesterday confirmed she will not be looking to return to the parliament.
Tjongarero did not make it to the 2024 electoral college ballot.
Dausab, who became a minister after being selected by Geingob, has once again been excluded from the parliamentary list.
It means her only chance of going back to the parliament now depends on whether Nandi-Ndaitwah will include her in the list of 10 people she can add to the 2024 electoral college ballot.
Dausab did not respond to questions yesterday.
Those who were close to Geingob, such as Kunene regional governor Marius Sheya, Shiimi, deputy sport minister Emma Kantema-Gaomas, and minister of education, arts and culture Anna Ngipondoka, could be seen dancing together at the official opening.
Others were deputy minister of gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare Royal /Ui/o/oo and Dausab.
PREACHING UNITY
Speaking at the official opening yesterday, president Nangolo Mbumba urged delegates to vote peacefully without any pressure “whatsoever” and in the spirit of comradeship to avoid unnecessary division within the party.
“I would also like to encourage delegates to vote in a manner that reflects the unity and diversity of our country. No one, and I say no one, must feel left out.
“Swapo is the people, and the people are Swapo, which means Swapo is the home of all the Namibian people who are its members, supporters and sympathisers,” he said.
He said democracy has winners and losers.
“Some will win and others will regrettably lose. However, the entire Swapo party will be the winner. Through this process we will be stronger and better prepared for total victory on 27 November,” he said.
“After this contestation, we must not bear grudges. As president Hage Geingob used to say, play the ball and not the person.”
Mbumba said those who will be elected must work hard to achieve a people-centred development and ensure a closer move to victory during the second struggle for economic liberation of all Namibians.
He said Namibians want successful, prosperous and happy lives.
“Therefore, they expect of you, as their elected leaders, to provide all these things,” he said.
Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa said Nandi-Ndaitwah will launch the party’s manifesto on 14 September.
She said the manifesto has been cleared and approved by the party’s central committee at a meeting on Saturday.
“We shall therefore reference our renewed commitments and achievements as outlined in the manifesto to convince our people to continue trusting the Swapo party, through which their hopes and aspirations can be released. Only Swapo and no one else,” Shaningwa said.
She said there are no winners and losers in elections.
“… hence the party will always emerge victorious. We indeed have a lifetime commitment to our party and not to ourselves,” she said.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
