Swanu destined for doom – analysts

… Tell them to go to hell – Kaaronda hits back

Political analysts have painted a gloomy picture of the future of the South West Africa National Union (Swanu).

The country’s oldest political party launched its manifesto over the weekend, focused on land reform, fair wealth distribution, quality healthcare, free and relevant learning, economic development and restorative justice implementation.

In response of analysts recent comments, Swanu leader Evilastus Kaaronda said they can go “hang”.

“Those commentators can hang themselves and go to hell. Did they read my speech that I delivered in the manifesto? We did not come up with that manifesto alone but through engagements,” Kaaronda said.

Swanu’s manifesto claims that land ownership is currently still disproportionately in the hands of the few.

The party noted that social unrest is inevitable if the imbalance is not addressed.

Swanu noted that the solution for land reform is to aggressively acquire land, compensating only for improvements made and rewriting chapter three of the Namibian Constitution to reflect the needs of the people.

The party has been plagued with internal conflicts in recent years over its leadership.

NEAR DEMISE

Political analyst Rui Tyitende said Swanu has been “knocking on death’s door” for the past 34 years.

“The party has consistently and stubbornly been able to secure [only] one seat in the National Assembly and none at one point. Therefore, Swanu cannot be saved, no matter who takes charge of the party.”

Tyitende claimed the average citizen does not know of Swanu’s existence.

He said the party has no national appeal and only has a limited presence in the Ovambanderu community.

“Their manifesto will most likely be read by those that authored it, as their members follow the party for traditional purposes, not political reasons,” he said.

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said Swanu’s relevance after the launch of its manifesto hinges on the party’s ability to connect with voters on issues that resonate with the public.

“Despite being Namibia’s oldest political party, Swanu has struggled in recent years to maintain a significant presence in the political landscape. However, the manifesto launch could provide a renewed platform to address critical issues, such as social justice, economic inequality and land reform, which remain pertinent in Namibia,” Kamwanyah said.

He added that if the party’s manifesto is well-received and aligns with the current needs and aspirations of the electorate, it could help it reassert its relevance.

“However, the party’s internal divisions could overshadow its message if not managed properly,” he said.

Kamwanyah emphasised that trust in a political party is built on its unity, consistency and ability to deliver on its promises.

“The current infighting within Swanu raises serious concerns about the party’s stability and effectiveness. For Namibians to trust Swanu, the party must demonstrate that it can resolve its internal conflicts swiftly and focus on its core mission,” he added.

“Persistent divisions could erode public confidence, making it difficult for the party to garner widespread support.”

Kamwanyah said the unity in Swanu can be achieved through transparent dialogue, mediation and a commitment to the party’s founding principles.

“The leadership must engage in open discussions with all factions, ensuring that every member feels heard and valued. Establishing a clear and inclusive strategy for the party’s future can help bridge divides,” he said.

“Additionally, holding accountable those responsible for promoting division, while also offering paths to reconciliation, could help restore unity. Building a strong internal structure that prioritises cohesion over personal interests is crucial for Swanu to move forward as a united front,” Kamwayah said.

OPTIMISTIC

Kaaronda told The Namibian yesterday he is confident and hopeful that Swanu will do well in the upcoming elections to secure enough parliamentary seats.

“We are positive about this based on what we have been doing on the ground for a long time. We have been in every region and we are optimistic that we will perform well in the elections,” he said.

Commenting on party infighting, Kaaronda said he does not have time for “undisciplined” people.

“We will not tolerate indiscipline from any member or former party leaders. We are concerned about the future of our country and the fact that the country needs a new political reform. We will deal with them,” Kaaronda said.

“We do not want their help if that is what they think. I do not care about such people and their political ambitions of wanting jobs. We want to take Swanu forward and not allow people to disrupt Swanu.”