A move that sent shockwaves across the political sphere has seen Oshikoto politician and former deputy information minister Engel Nawatiseb quitting the ruling Swapo to join the Landless People’s Movement.

This was announced by LPM spokesperson Lifazala Simataa in a media statement on Monday.

According to the statement, Nawatiseb and members of his family have now joined Bernadus Swartbooi’s orange army.   

“This act is a sign of the growing democracy within the country and a foreshadowing of the major shift in political landscape, where more Namibians in politics and the general public, will realise that the Landless People’s Movement is the alternative party of choice,” Simataa beamed with confidence.

According to Simataa, LPM is a preferred political alternative  for many, due to its values and involvement of the youth in its echelons.  

“[Nawatiseb] has expressed that there is  importance in supporting a party that is led by the youth. He believes that robust and unique change in Namibia can only occur when we support capable, young and ambitious leaders, and that the LPM possesses those characteristics,” Simataa said.

Approached for a comment, Nawatiseb confirmed that he proudly joined LPM, however, he couldn’t reveal further information.

“I will give more information after the funeral because I am mourning the late president Hage Geingob. Therefore, I don’t want to talk about politics now,” he further stressed. 

It does not end here for LPM, as Nawatiseb was prime to be officially unveiled during LPM’s five-year anniversary celebration in Tsumeb.

The event, however, has since been put on hold in honour of the late president Hage Geingob, who died on Sunday.

LPM’s fifth anniversary was scheduled for 10 February 2024.

“The celebration would be a testament to our growth in the political landscape and how democracy in this country is growing. However, tragedy has struck the country as the president of the country has passed away and the country is in mourning,” Simataa said in a separate statement.

He continued: “As a country, we are experiencing the loss of Hage Geingob, the first time the country has lost a president and more so a sitting president. With this novel experience thrust upon us, we believe it is important that we as political leaders make the best ethical decision possible and encourage our members to observe the mourning period and to pay the necessary respect and decency required.”

At the heart of LPM’s ideology, he hastened, is restoring the dignity of Namibians.

“We believe that this decision taken to postpone in these unprecedented times is aligned with the values we stand to promote and have. Therefore, we shall be postponing the celebration till after the burial of His Excellency. We apologise for the inconvenience to our members and other relevant stakeholders who have been affected by this decision,” Simataa said.

-  fhamalwa@nepc.com.na