ONGWEDIVA – Engel Nawatiseb’s brief stint outside Swapo has ended with the former deputy minister of information and communication technology returning after he had left the party last month.
Nawatiseb joined the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), but only stayed for a month. He confirmed his return to this publication yesterday, stating that he has now officially returned to Swapo.
“I felt it is the right move to pursue by my family and I, after the temporary absence from Swapo, which enjoys a strong historical bond with my family and the people of Tsumeb. We are happy to be back since there is no solid home like Swapo, which I abandoned for a short stint out of frustration, anger and possibly different outlooks that may not have been in the best interest of the party, just like many other comrades did, who left to form their own political parties,” he stressed.
Approached for comment, Swapo deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga said he had not received any letter from Nawatiseb about his return to Swapo. However, Herunga said he is still waiting for an official letter.
“We are happy to have him back to the best party. He must convince others who left Swapo to come back, because Swapo is home for all,” he added.
He urged Nawatiseb to pick up his tasks in the party, and to ensure he is mobilising others to campaign for the right candidate. Two weeks ago, Nawatiseb was officially welcomed and received by LPM during their glamorous fifth anniversary celebrations held at Tsumeb.
At the occasion, he was happy to see a crowd of people welcoming him with dancing and singing.
At the stadium during that celebration, Nawatiseb expressed his confidence in the LPM’s potential to bring about robust and unique change in Namibia.
Moreover, after he left the LPM, he told this publication that he noticed something happened within the LPM party structures which he did not like, and this forced him to leave the party immediately.
Nawatiseb stated that he learnt a lesson that to make it in life, one must take difficult decisions.
“Our democracy should follow the principles of the Namibian Constitution, and not legitimise dual political affiliation and/or membership on the basis of fundamental human rights and/or choice.
Individuals entrusted with the mandate to serve Namibians citizens from the turf of government and/or political parties should not be self-centred because the systems, processes and institutions and parties are bigger than individuals. Hence, Namibians should not undermine each other rather than respectfully serving their legitimate needs and expectations, particularly when pursued to relieve each other’s precarious living conditions,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Nawatiseb mentioned that he has no doubt that their candidate will prevail during the forthcoming presidential election, and become Namibia’s fifth president.
“During the run-up to the 2022 congress, I campaigned for Nandi-Ndaitwah. Campaigns usually have twists and turns, hence I closed that window and ended up supporting another Swapo contender, who approached me to utilise my previous campaign experience and track record,” he added.
In addition, he said the leadership has been wonderful since his return to the party as a long-serving member since 1984 (40 years), which he valued tremendously.
“I register my apology for anybody who might have been offended by my natural, personal political decisions, while at the same time wishing all Namibians a peaceful elections’ campaign. Let us uphold the principles of a united Namibian House before anything else,” he noted.