Martin-Olembe Antindi
Comrade Johannes Johnburns Elago, well-known simply as John Elago, is the Swapo Party district coordinator for Windhoek Rural, a very long-serving district coordinator and member of the regional executive for the Khomas region.
Recently, the social and print media dragged his good name into some campaign-related political storm, propagated by the fact that he agreed and decided to stand and contest for the regional coordinator`s position at the upcoming regional conference for the renewal of mandates. His decision to stand was a positive response to the overwhelming requests and wishes from dedicated party members who want to return the olden glory and activism of the party. Some unnecessary, politically-motivated and personal allegations started to be levelled against him. Being a man of principles and integrity, and out of fear of victimization, Cde John Elago wrote a letter to Comrade Sophia Shaningwa, the Swapo Party secretary general, regarding these allegations.
His good intentions were not only to clear his name, but also to warn the office of the secretary general to watch out for some of these uncalled allegations and circumstances that can pose a direct threat to his campaign, as they were intended to.
It`s definitely very true when they say politics is not for the soft-hearted, politics is not for the brutally honest ones, politics is not for the humble or humbleness, and it’s these descriptions and aspects of politics which make it a dirty game.
Nonetheless, in my humble opinion, I hold the view that politics should and must accommodate everyone because in the end, we lose good leaders who become victims of betrayal, dirty politics, nepotism and favoritism because their presence is alleged to jeopardise others’ personal interests as they are placed above the party. Comrade John Elago did well by clearing the air, and to be on alert of an organised political witchhunt. What is surprising me more is why there`s so much fear and concerns about the contestation decision of comrade John Elago. The Swapo Party constitution makes a provision for democratic freedom to any party member who wants and wishes to stand and contest for any position, as stipulated in the constitution
Furthermore, Comrade John Elago is an extremely good man, humble and firm in all his personality and leadership. His kindness and soft characteristics can both qualify him for political victimisation and betrayal, because to him every member of the party is like a brother and sister. This is contrary to the real brutality of politics, which can be described as backstabbing and an arena of victimising, especially to the innocent and honest one. When it comes to campaigns, politics gets dirty, and it should again be reaffirmed, overstated and set on record that Comrade John Elago is one of the very few leaders who can be described as humble with firm leadership. It will not be fair to allow him to become a victim of dirty politics in the attempt to ruin his campaign for the intention of jeopardising his chances. Although there’s an ambition championed by those who regard him as a threat to their individual interests, the masses have confidence and profound trust in him.