KEETMANSHOOP – The ruling party Swapo has strengthened its war-chest ahead of this year’s general elections, after its //Karas regional branch collected N$ 607 000 during a fundraising gala dinner at Rosh Pinah over the weekend.
At a media briefing, Swapo Regional Coordinator in the // Karas Region, Matheus Mumbala, said the branch successfully held its first ever fundraising dinner on Saturday which resulted in the unity, hard work, dedication and commitment of businesspeople and party members in the region and beyond.
He said the business community and party members are ambassadors as they continue to make meaningful contribution to the party’s regional level and nationally. “Therefore we appeal to you to continue to be active and innovative.”
Mumbala said the Swapo Party is founded on the principles of democracy, solidarity, freedom, social justice and progress. The funds raised will be used for the election campaign to educate members on the importance of free elections and training of party agents and other officials.
“We want free election campaigns in the region as we have started to educate our members not to provoke anybody coming to the //Karas Region. But our members must also not be provoked by childish opposition parties. We will not tolerate it”
According to Mumbala some opposition parties provoked Swapo members at Noordoewer, Aussenkehr and Luderiz in the past. If parties know they do not have support in those areas, refrain from holding rallies there. Rather, the parties must go to soccer fields or community halls and hold empty meetings.
The Swapo coordinator also expressed his concern about challenges his party is facing regarding Aussenkehr small farmers, the Naute Dam Agricultural Project, the Rosh Pinah Mine and the Neckertal Dam Project.
He said some companies are treating workers very badly. “We will continue to act in the best interest of the people. He said the branch will keep on visiting these areas without making prior appointments.
Mumbala also called on the Swapo government to speed up the proclamation of Aussenkehr, Rosh Pinah, Ariamsvlei and Noordoewer.
Mumbala also lashed out at those Namibians who want to destroy President Hifikepunye Pohamba’s legacy by linking him to the construction company owned by his daughter. “Leave our president alone. He does not have anything to do with the tender. His children and those of ministers are also entitled to do business in Namibia”.
He concluded that Swapo Party will use its own funds for the elections. “We will not fund our campaign with state funds, as some people think, he concluded. The single highest donation of N$300 000 was received from the company Design and Decor.
The governor of the //Karas Region, Bernardus Swartbooi is the chairperson of the fundraising committee in the region.
By Hoandi !Gaeb