KATIMA MULILO – Swapo vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has promised to bring back lost public trust after the ruling party’s support dropped markedly during the November 2020 elections. 

She made the remarks during a mini-rally over the weekend at Katima Mulilo in the Zambezi region.

“We must accept 2020 elections didn’t go well with us. We lost supporters. We lost constituencies. Let us make sure we bring back our supporters. I call upon all comrades who supported me to continue working with me. I am at your disposal. You are all equal members of the party. Simply, if you were not supporting me, it doesn’t mean I am not your favourite. I am all your favourite,” she said

During the 2020 elections, Swapo lost constituencies in the Kunene, Erongo, Khomas, Kavango East, //Kharas, Hardap and Zambezi regions.

Many have attributed the performance to socio-economic challenges, such as high youth unemployment, perceived corruption and poor service delivery, among other burning issues.

Last year, the party’s congress elected Nandi-Ndaitwah as the party’s next presidential candidate for the 2024 elections. 

She promises inclusive development and shared prosperity for all.

Going into the next elections, she becomes the party’s first-ever female presidential candidate.

“Let us make sure she is elected based on quality. We must give selfless services to the well-being of the people first. Believe me, money is not the only way of changing things. Attitude is also important to add value to service delivery,” she alluded.

She called on Namibians to desist from corrupt activities, saying “corruption should not find a home in our hearts and minds”.

She told residents of Zambezi that the time has come for the region to improve the rich inland fisheries.  Namibia’s inland fish resources of the Zambezi, Chobe, Kwando and Kavango rivers have supported riverine communities for centuries. Equally, she assured the residents who live in constant fear of Botswana’s soldiers, who have in the past killed Namibians, that there will always be a peaceful dialogue between the two nations.

“History has it that Botswana is important to Namibia, as it provided a safe haven during the war. Through dialogue, peace and shared prosperity, we will once again raise the above challenges to ensure peace along our borders,” she noted. 

 – anakale@nepc.com.na