KATIMA MULILO – Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of Parliament and Zambezi regional chairperson, Milunga Elvis Lizazi, has called on party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation and fundraising efforts.He warned that complacency could undermine the party’s ambition of unseating the ruling party in future elections.
Addressing the IPC regional executive committee meeting in Katima Mulilo over the weekend, Lizazi said the party’s primary objective remains to take over government and that members must demonstrate commitment beyond merely waiting for financial support from the party headquarters.
“We cannot take over the government with this attitude. In a fight, you bring all your tactics and resources to attain your goals,” he told delegates. Lizazi expressed concern over what he described as inactivity within party structures in the region, saying some branches and constituencies have failed to initiate political activities, often citi He urged members to take ownership of party programmes by organising fundraising initiatives and strengthening IPC’s visibility in villages and communities.
“People do not know what party we represent because we are not visible enough. We should take ourselves seriously so that people can tap into our convictions and vision for Namibia,” he said. The lawmaker further encouraged members to focus on building a strong financial foundation ahead of the 2029 general elections, suggesting that the region should already be working towards raising resources to support future campaigns. On internal party matters, Lizazi cautioned members against speculation regarding leadership mandate renewals, saying the party would communicate any developments through official channels.
“There are no secrets in IPC. Everything is done openly. For now, let us focus on growing the party in the region,” he said.
He also appealed to members who become inactive after losing internal elections to remain committed to the party’s long-term goals. “We are here to take over the government. If you abandon the party now, you may regret it when IPC becomes the ruling party,” he said. He further called on regional leadership to prioritise youth development and agricultural support, particularly for maize farmers in the Muyako and Zilitene areas whose harvests have reportedly been stranded by flooding around Lake Liambezi.
Lizazi also criticised what he described as a lack of engagement between regional authorities and visiting parliamentary committees, saying opportunities to advance the region’s developmental agenda should not be missed. He urged delegates to participate constructively in discussions and focus on resolutions that will strengthen the party and contribute to national development. “We must come up with resolutions that we are going to take seriously and accomplish within clear timelines,” he said. “We will have ourselves to blame if we fail to serve this country and address the challenges facing our people.” The meeting brought together IPC regional leaders and members to discuss organisational matters, party growth, and preparations for future political activities in the Zambezi region.
-anakale@nepc.com.na