Albertina Nakale
Newly re-elected Swapo vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has pledged to prioritise building unity within the ruling party in a widely shared message to delegates and the party’s faithful.
The international relations minister was on Monday confirmed as the Swapo vice president after seeing off competition from Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and environment minister Pohamba Shifeta.
Her congress win moved her a step closer to taking the highest office in the land and cemented her place as the ruling party’s presidential candidate in 2024. She will also become the first female Swapo flag bearer as its presidential candidate at the polls and possibly the country’s maiden woman head of state.
For Nandi-Ndaitwah, strengthening unity will be among her priorities. “I am looking forward to working with you in order for us to continue strengthening the party. Swapo Party is the party for the future and we can only achieve that if we work together in unity,” she said.
“As the vice president of the Swapo Party, unity is my priority. Our Founding President (Sam Nujoma) always reminds us that a people united and striving for a common goal will always emerge victorious. We cannot afford not to be united if we want Swapo to remain victorious.”
During the Swapo leadership contest, Nandi-Ndaitwah, who also doubles as the deputy prime minister, received 421 votes, compared to 270 garnered by Kuugongwela-Amadhila and 91 by Shifeta. She also used the opportunity to thank all those who supported her during the gruelling intra-party campaigns. She encouraged members that this should not be the end, adding they should continue to work together in the interest of the party and the country.
“I want to thank all the candidates for the position of vice president for the cooperation they have shown me during and after the campaign,” she said. “Now that the campaign is over, which I called political festivity, we should embrace one another and prepare ourselves to ensure unity as we move towards the 2024 general elections. We will go there as a strong party and as one people. We will make sure Swapo emerges with a resounding victory.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah also assured the nation she was ready to do everything in the best interest of the Namibian people. Other victors at the congress include secretary general Sophia Shaningwa who retained her position with 440 votes after defeating Oshikoto regional coordinator Armas Amukwiyu.
He received 343 votes. Uahekua Herunga, who contested for the deputy secretary general position, scooped 363 votes, Evelyn !Nawases-Taayele got 326, and David Hamutenya obtained 92 votes. Herunga won the re-run against Hamutenya with 414 votes, while Hamutenya got 168.
-anakale@nepc.com.na