Rudolf Gaiseb

National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) secretary general Joseph Kauandenge has called on all opposition parties to rally behind one presidential candidate to stand a chance to topple Swapo. 

Kauandenge made this call during Nudo’s last rally at Khomasdal Stadium on Saturday.  

“Namibian opposition parties should realise that we can never be able to field 15 presidential candidates from different political parties and then expect to win at the polls. The wind of change is blowing through our African continent. The wind of change has blown in Botswana, where a coalition of opposition managed to get into government.

“What is wrong with our Namibian political leaders? Why does everybody want to be president of a political party? What has happened to the noble ideals of serving our people?” Kauandenge wanted to know. 

Kauandenge said, the ruling Swapo has run out of ideas and touch with the masses. 

The rally held over the weekend pulled a large crowd that electrified the stadium. The party currently holds two seats in parliament.

This year, Nudo did not field a presidential candidate in a move they say is strategic and prudent. 

Former Okakarara constituency councillor Vetaruhe Kandorozu leads Nudo’s National Assembly list.  Addressing the rally, Kandorozu, underscored that change will come.

“The Nudo party will aggressively continue to advocate for policies that will advance the just distribution of land to landless people and those dispossessed of land by the colonial powers. Therefore, it will be our priority to introduce restorative justice targeting those directly affected by land confiscation by colonisers,” he said. 

On the genocide, Kandorozu condemned the current negotiation model that is led by the government while it is allegedly supposed to be the affected communities as directed by the motion. 

“We will demand the convening of a genocide national convention or conference that will set the terms of reference for the negotiations to be let by the two affected communities’ representatives, namely Nama and Ovaherero, while the government envoy and representative will be there as facilitating agents on behalf of the government,” he said.

Furthermore, under this administration, learners will not be taught under a tent or tree.

“No learners will be allowed to pay school fees and bring stationery to the school as the government will provide each student with stationery. 

There will be free school uniforms that will be made by local entrepreneurs in tailoring businesses,” he added.  

Kandorozu continued: “There must be a calibration between those institutions of education and the Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund. If a student is accepted at those institutions, then she/he automatically qualifies for a scholarship and the monthly student honorariums worth N$1500 for the duration of the studies from NSFAF.”

Nudo will also scrap application, registration and tuition fees at public universities.

On the same day, Otjinene constituency councillor, Erwin Katjizeu recognised the challenges young people face, from unemployment to the lack of opportunities in rural areas. 

“We see your frustrations, but more importantly, we see your potential. That is why we are here, not just to ask for your votes, but to work with you in shaping a Namibia where your dreams can flourish. 

For too long, the voices of young people have been ignored. 

But with NUDO, your voice will matter. Your ideas, your energy, and your drive will fuel the change we need. We are committed to creating jobs, improving education, and fostering entrepreneurship,” Katjizeu said.