There is a saying in Swapo that when the party sneezes, the entire Namibia catches flu. It is a statement crafted to at best display the depth of influence the party commands across all socio-political boundaries in the country.
The opposition often interpreted that statement as mere arrogance on the part of the ruling party, but realistically Swapo commands thermal power-like strength across all spheres in the country.
With another elective congress set for next year, the perennial manoeuvres, machinations and jostling for positions are about to start – if they are not already in full swing.
Historically, such activities have claimed countless casualties in the party – which has often led to deep-seated divisions in the party, or even defections. Such defections have often polarised relations in the party and the government it is leading. When relations in a ruling party or government are acrimonious, the delivery of services to the common man becomes the first casualty.
Disunity, especially in the context of Swapo politics, has often led to perceptions of victimisation, tribalism and regional exclusion. Sometimes such perceptions have lacked credibility, but for the common man on the street, this is swallowed hook, line and sinker as the ultimate truth.
As a result, even ordinary citizens start dealing with each other with suspicion and caution, because the seeds of hatred have been planted and watered from the top, especially by those who cannot stomach defeat at such congresses.
Last year during the primaries leading up to regional council and local authority elections, we observed with great concern the cut-throat manner in which candidates and their supporters gave little regard to party unity, so that they can occupy key positions.
True, this was also observed in opposition parties, but because they command little significance and influence in the eyes of many voters, their own squabbles remained unheralded.
It is, therefore, disunity in Swapo that carried more weight of destruction – hence the need for all its members and leaders to remain united, democratic and tolerant enough to accept the outcomes of the upcoming congress, including the processes of initial selection of congress delegates.
Disunity also weakens the party, mind you. The average voter has demonstrated that Swapo must remain strong and in power – not only for its liberation struggle credentials, but also for its now massive experience in governance.
Liberation movements, especially those of Southern African origin, are somewhat despised, particularly in the West. Their often hard-line stance on issues such as self-determination, autonomous control of natural resources and radical views on how Africa should be ruled, does not sit well with those who want to loot Africa’s resources.
Many conservatives, who constitute the majority of the Namibian electorate, therefore, want Swapo to remain strong and united to face the challenges facing the country and the world today.
To them, Namibia is a much safer place with a united Swapo in power. It is thus incumbent upon Swapo to remain united and with a functioning internal democracy so that the party can continue to defy the odds and survive the test of time – in the interest of every Namibian.