Otniel Hembapu
Edward Mumbuu
Former parliamentarian Hidipo Hamata is not joining the ruling Swapo party, at least not now.
Hamata revealed this in an interview with this publication, shortly after announcing his departure from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), the country’s former official opposition party. In recent years, we have seen prominent PDM members quit to join Swapo. They include former party leader the late Katuutire Kaura, Kunene governor Vipuakuje Muharukua, ex-MP Charmaine Tjirare and others.
“Those who previously resigned exercised their constitutional right to associate with political parties of their choice, as is provided for in our democracy. However, resignation from one party does not automatically mean joining another. That assumption is unnecessary. At this point, I am not joining any political party. I may simply take time to reflect, engage in other work, and continue contributing to public discourse in different ways,” Hamata said.
In the past, PDM leader McHenry Venaani accused party defectors of pursuing “belly politics”. In essence, Venaani said some party members only quit when they are no longer deriving benefits or eating from PDM.
To this, Hamata retorted: “I respect the views expressed by my former leader. However, I do not intend to engage in commentary that could be interpreted as attributing motives to others. I will therefore refrain from further remarks on that issue.”
Hamata, who rose to prominence as a vocal youth leader and regional coordinator for the PDM, did not cite any reasons for his abrupt resignation in a formal letter sent to the party’s secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe yesterday.
“To be very honest and clear, there is not much more to add beyond what is contained in my resignation letter. I prefer to leave it at that and will not be making further comments on the matter,” he said.
Asked if he exhausted all internal avenues to address whatever concerns he had with the party prior to his departure, he said: “Not every decision requires formal internal processes. Some decisions are personal and are made through deep reflection. In my case, I have gone through my own internal process of reflection and reached a personal conclusion. That is where I stand.” Hamata did also not want to be drawn into any brawl with his former political home.
“I have noted the interest in this matter, but I will not engage in any discussion that seeks to pit me against my former party or individuals within it. I remain guided by principle and will not speak negatively about people or an organisation I was once part of. “I do appreciate the message of goodwill extended to me by the secretary general [Manuel Ngaringombe], which I consider meaningful and respectful. For now, I close this chapter respectfully and move forward with appreciation for the journey so far.”
He also expressed profound gratitude for the years of service within the PDM.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, given the political journey I have shared with the Movement over the years, both before and after its rebranding. I remain sincerely grateful for the opportunities, exposure, and leadership experience I have gained through my association with the Party. Serving alongside committed members and leadership has contributed meaningfully to my political growth and understanding of public service,” said Hamata.
He continued: “I will always value the experience gained during this period of my political life. After careful reflection, I have concluded that it is necessary for me to step aside at this stage. I wish the Popular Democratic Movement continued growth, stability, and success in its role within Namibia’s democratic landscape.”
Hamata served as a member of the National Assembly from 2020 to 2025.
During his time in parliament, he frequently advocated for public accountability, contested highly controversial tender-awarding procedures through the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, and also pushed for the permanent employment of long-term contract healthcare workers, including standing in solidarity with jobless young Namibians. He also agitated bread-and-butter issues confronting Namibians in general and the Ohangwena region in particular, where he hails from.
Meanwhile, the PDM yesterday swiftly acknowledged Hamata’s resignation, expressing appreciation for the contributions made by the outgoing member over the years.
“The PDM has taken notice of your resignation from the Movement effective 18 May 2026. We hereby accept your resignation. The PDM wishes to thank you for all your contributions for the period you have been with us. Wishing you all the best,” responded Ngaringombe.
PDM 6
Hamata also formed part of the ‘PDM 6’.
They are six former PDM lawmakers who dragged their party, the Electoral Commission of Namibia and the National Assembly to court, demanding over N$1.5 million each. This is money they believe they lost in salaries, allowances and benefits which could have accrued to them had they been sworn in as Members of Parliament in 2020, and not two-and-a-half years later. The ex-lawmakers assert, fervently so, that they were unlawfully excluded from Parliament after the 2019 National Assembly elections’ outcome, despite being officially nominated and elected.
The plaintiffs are Mike Venaani, party leader McHenry Venaani’s father; Reggie Diergaardt; Charmaine Tjirare; Yvette Araes; Hamata; and Maximalliant Katjimune.
They argue that their names were officially published in the Government Gazette on 6 November 2019. They were therefore “duly elected members of the National Assembly with effect from 21 March 2020”.
The sextet, who have come to be known as the ‘PDM6’, said their party wrongly submitted a new list of names after the election, a list which removed them.
They say the ECN, instead of rejecting this unlawful list, went ahead and declared the new names as elected members.