In spite of dividing public opinion like any other political entity, the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) movement celebrated nine years of existence this month.
Reflecting on a transformative journey that began with a symbolic act of reclaiming land in 2014, one of AR’s founders and its spokesperson George Kambala said their commitment to reshaping the destiny of Namibian youth and the broader populace came through drawing inspiration from revolutionary figures like Thomas Sankara and Karl Marx.
He observed that the movement’s story is etched in the annals of resistance.
Pointing to some of the movement’s highest moments, Kambala said AR’s journey has been marked by significant milestones, including the formulation of the AR Housing Charter in 2015 and the creation of the People’s Litigation Centre (PLC) in 2018. Each step has been a testament to their dedication to bringing about radical change, the activist added.
“The demonstrations, the donations to schools in all 14 regions, and the continued legal battles against unjust laws like the Squatters Proclamation Act have been pivotal in the struggle for justice,” he noted.
Kambala continued: “The year 2020 bore witness to the participation in local elections, advocating for the regulation of land ownership by foreigners, and electing AR councillors to key positions within Windhoek, illustrating the power of our movement in governance. Our actions have spoken volumes, resonating across the nation. We’ve challenged the status quo, leading protests against injustices, taking on the judiciary, and establishing the Revolutionary Union in 2023 to further our cause.”
He went on: “Today, as we reflect on these achievements, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals that have propelled us forward. We’ve transformed from a movement led by three visionary activists to a formidable force that mirrors the aspirations and struggles of our people.”
He said AR’s path is clear – that they will not rest until the dignity of the youth and the broader populace is restored.
“The struggle against the shackles of capitalism, the fight for equality, and the quest for a just society continue to be our guiding principles. We reaffirm our dedication to the struggle, our unity in purpose, and our unwavering commitment to the people of Namibia. The AR movement stands firm, ever ready to push the boundaries, challenge the norms, and steer the course towards a brighter, more equitable future,” he said.
Big fallouts
Last year, AR fired its spokesperson Simon Amunime and then-head of elections Paulus Kathanga for dragging the movement’s name into the mud and sowing seeds of division within its rank and file.
The decision was taken by AR’s Interim National Activists Council (INAC) – its highest decision-making body – in Swakopmund.
INAC made it clear that personal interests will never supersede those of the collective.
The two activists were booted “for sowing divisions in the movement, and bringing the name of the movement into disrepute. The duo thus no longer forms part of the leadership of the movement, nor do they represent the movement in any capacity.”
One of AR’s founders Kambala filled the void left by Amunime, while legal head Stanley Kavetu occupied Kathanga’s position.
Things came down crumpling when Amunime and Kathanga penned a damning statement in which they accused AR’s chief activist Job Amupanda of corruption and taking bribes under the guise of the movement.
At the time, the duo demanded that AR’s two representatives in the City of Windhoek council – Amupanda and Ilse Keister – be rotated to allow activists who are unemployed and “blacklisted by the regime” to make a living.
“What is the harm of allowing other activists to take up the seats at City of Windhoek, and allow them to prove their leadership and allow them to make a living with that N$30 000?” they asked.
In Amupanda’s defence, the AR challenged anyone with evidence of his alleged corrupt dealings to approach the Anti-Corruption Commission or the police, instead of making statements on social media and other platforms.
“INAC encourages all activists in the movement not to tolerate corruption and to report corruption, no matter whom it involves. We have taken note that the two activists are peddling lies in public, which is in tandem with the reasons why they were relieved of their responsibilities,” Kambala said last year.
Meanwhile, one of AR’s founders Dimbulukeni Nauyoma has since quit active roles in the movement.
Recently, he was also unveiled as presidential aspirant Ally Angula’s campaign manager. This is all while Amupanda too has indicated his ambition to stand for the highest office in the country.
– priscillamukokobi@gmail.com