Hardap governor Salomon April and regional council chairperson Gershon Dausab, both men of the cloth, traded verbal jabs on Friday as the region’s capital, Mariental, held this year’s Heroes’ Day commemorations.

The Landless People’s Movement (LPM), the region’s dominant party, called on Namibians to disregard the festivities and warned civil servants not to be part of the organising committee. 

LPM were unhappy that Cabinet secretary George Simataa first wrote to April to inform him about the region’s hosting of Heroes’ Day and omitted to inform Dausab.

Simataa, in a letter dated 16 August, wrote to Dausab, apologising for the omission, saying he regrets the error of not having directly engaged Dausab.

April, who was appointed by President Hage Geingob, in his welcoming remarks during the national event said the freedom and independence of the country did not come on a silver platter. 

“I know for some this gathering is a waste of taxpayers’ money but [they] are however grateful that no amount of tax can pay for the volumes of blood spilled for this country. Therefore, this day cannot be reduced to it being described as nonsense and rubbish,” the regional political head emotionally emphasised. 

He added the freedom and rights Namibians are enjoying today should not be taken for granted. 

“My call to us is to appreciate the nation we become because it was paid with somebody’s life,” said the governor. 

He furthermore warned that national days should not be pigeonholed as futile and less important based on political differences. 

“We cannot allow party politics from whatever perspective to thwart or reverse the gains of independence and freedom by bringing tribalism in the backdoor,” said April, who came to prominence as a religious leader before becoming governor. 

April added one should be cautious to not exercise tribalism, as it can kill a nation and destroys efforts made to build one. 

“The notorious, inhumane and barbaric acts against the people of Namibia simply for the cry for freedom cannot be described as rubbish and be reduced to mockery,” said the pastor. 

He also said the big turn up of people at the event is a clear demonstration of exultation and appreciation of Geingob’s recognition of the Hardap region to host the Heroes’ Day event.

Dausab, who is also a pastor, during a street naming ceremony hosted by the Municipality of Mariental on Friday said LPM has no problem with the governor overseeing the event but with the fact that he excluded them from the organising committee. 

“Government must also be politically sensitive on how to approach the political party that gained a majority control over the Hardap and //Kharas regions,” he emphasised. 

Dausab also said since regional councils are the executive powers in regions, they will now consult their lawyers on whether the Hardap governor has the authority to execute directives from the country’s Head of State. 

“The governor, appointed at the pleasure of President Geingob, should, in fact, pay rent for the office he occupies, as the regional council belongs to the Landless People’s Movement by virtue of having the majority of councillors in the Hardap region,” the religious leader strongly asserted. 

He continued that LPM is busy in a process of “cutting out the road” in its strive to secure their people a prosperous future in Namibia. 

“Worrisome is the fact that people in the northern parts of the country are not receiving the same treatment as those residents living in the southern parts,” Dausab alleged. 

He added people in the north easily get vast portions of land just to put up a shack and plant mahangu whilst those in the south must pay through their necks for a mere two hectares of land. 

“LPM in the long run wants to teach the Swapo government how to treat other political parties in the country freely and fairly,” the chairperson said.

- sklukowski@nepc.com.na