Lahja Nashuuta

Clement Kaukuetu has declined his nomination for the position of the South West Africa National Union (Swanu) vice president, stating that he instead seeks a united political party.

Swanu convened the extraordinary congress to elect the party presidential candidate, and to draw up the National Assembly list for the upcoming national elections, slated for 27 November 2024.

Kaukuetu, a former secretary general, was elected as the vice president at an extraordinary party congress that took place at Shalom Centre in Windhoek over the weekend. 

He contested for the party president position against Charles Katjivirue. 

The candidates were voted by way of secret ballots.  Katjivirue emerged as the president.  

The congress then endorsed Kaukuetu to be the party’s vice president, and Sam Tjikuzu emerged as the winning candidate for the position of secretary general, a position he was nominated for along with Maria Nandova.  

Additionally, the position of national organiser was filled by Shakes Kenandjo Siririka, while that of national chairperson was filled by Uvatera Kahorere. 

The position of secretary of publicity and information was filled by Kauee Kaune.  Swanu is divided into two factions, one of which is being led by Evilastus Kaaronda.  The congress, organised by the Katjivirue faction, coincided with the launch of the party manifesto and the Omaheke regional congress that was hosted by the Kaarondo faction, New Era has learned.  “My efforts and contribution towards the organisation of this congress was based on the unwavering support of the unification efforts by the branch.  It turns out, however, that this was not to be, as I ended up becoming a mere addition to the Tjiri Lodge group (Katjivirue faction), instead of being part of the unifying leadership of Swanu of Namibia,” Kaukuetu said.

He further said, “As per the above subject matter, I hereby decline to assume the position of the deputy president, as I continue to oppose factionalism, and strive for unity”.  As a way forward, he hopes to see the two factions uniting, and focus on winning the elections.

“I am hoping that the high court will finalise the case between the factions and to see unity within the party, where leadership will fight for the common goal,” he said. 

Kaune, newly-elected spokesperson of that faction, told New Era that the newly elected leadership will soon constitute a committee to deal with matters of unity in the party.  

Similarly, the leadership has also been tasked to spearhead the finalisation of the party manifesto and the parliamentary list after consultation with all structures, as well as the rank and file of the party. He advised members to refrain from entertaining baseless propaganda that is aimed at distorting and creating further division within the party.  

“The assurance is that we remain intact as a formidable liberation movement,” he said.

-lnashuuta@gmail.com