Loide Jason
Mulisa Simiyasa
Aletta Shikololo
OTJIWARONGO – Swapo presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah remains optimistic that ongoing negotiations between Namibia and Germany on the genocide issue will be concluded to the satisfaction of the descendants of the victims.
She addressed a fully-packed political rally for Swapo at the Mokati Sports Stadium in Otjiwarongo on Saturday afternoon. Nandi-Ndaitwah highlighted the enduring trauma of Germany’s extermination order against the Ovaherero and Nama.
The tragic legacy is rooted in the region’s history of anti-colonial resistance.
“I am hopeful that the ongoing negotiations between Namibia and Germany on the genocide issue will be concluded to the satisfaction of Namibians, particularly the descendants of the victims,” she asserted, speaking before a crowd which gathered to hear her campaign message.
“Namibia is a diverse nation. However, it is our diversity that must glue us together, and serve as our source of inspiration and unity,” she said, positioning the country’s history of unity against colonial oppression as the backbone of its future progress. Highlighting Otjozondjupa’s historical contributions, she honoured the heroes of past generations, including figures like Chief Kambazembiwa Kangombe, who offered his resources in defiance of colonial oppression.
“Otjozondjupa is not just a region. It’s a land of warriors, who fought to secure our independence and dignity,” she emphasised.
“That courage and spirit guide our developmental agenda, and stand as a reminder of the sacrifices that continue to shape our nation,” she added. She said over 34 years of independence, the Swapo-led government has achieved significant gains in Otjozondjupa – from expanding the roads network, to rural electrification and social welfare programmes. However, challenges remain, especially in agriculture, where 70% of regional residents rely on farming. To address the drought which threatens this essential livelihood, the government has implemented relief programmes.
The presidential candidate said the region has improved water infrastructure, with 996
water-points across the region.
“There are so many challenges that we have been facing, including the world economic recession, the political dynamics, global disasters such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the drought and all these factors, which lead to unemployment and poverty. However, our government has achieved a lot in many sectors. Therefore, whoever tried to mislead you to say our government has not done anything since independence, show them what is happening in your specific region, for example here in Otjozondjupa,” she stated.
Agriculture
In agriculture, programmes such as dryland crop production, seed improvement and horticultural value chain development schemes have been implemented.
“We are not saying everything is done. We are the first to admit, as a party, that besides the achievements we have made, we still have a lot to do, particularly when it comes to the high unemployment, which leads to poverty. That is why in our election manifesto, we are committing ourselves to address the issue of unemployment,” she continued. A dairy value chain development scheme has been approved for piloting in the region to fight malnutrition, and create jobs.
Nandi-Ndaitwah said a renewed mandate for the party will enable the government to continue with its development and economic plans.
“Our Drought Relief Programme has already reached nearly 16 000 beneficiaries, and our commitment is to ensure no one is left behind,” she noted, stressing the party’s ongoing support for the region’s agricultural resilience.
“We need a resounding mandate to continue building on the strong foundation we’ve laid. When we vote on 27 November, let us remember our shared vision and responsibility to each other,” she urged.
Hands off
Meanwhile, Swapo’s top administrator Sophia Shaningwa cautioned the public against targeting the Swapo candidate, or making threats against her well-being.
Reacting to what seemed like a medical emergency of Vice President Nandi-Ndaitwah on the day while she was addressing the Swapo rally, Shaningwa came out guns blazing.
“Leave our candidate alone, you witches. We’ve heard that some people are targeting her with intentions of witchcraft. Leave her alone,” she charged.
Jobs
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is affectionately known by her supporters and within political circles as NNN, promised to create nearly 257 000 jobs if elected into power.
She said her party has observed and acknowledged the growing number of unemployed Namibian youths across the country, noting that this is despite the Swapo-led government’s significant achievements in providing clean drinking water, primary healthcare, education, road networks and electricity connections to the national grid.
The politician stated that if elected to lead the country with her Cabinet for the next five years, they will ensure that their manifesto, which outlines the creation of over 256 538 jobs for young people, becomes a reality.
“As your presidential candidate, I can assure you that the job-creation statement noted in the Swapo Party manifesto will be implemented under my leadership, and you will not regret voting for Swapo,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah furthermore promised to continue cattle-breeding initiatives in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions to ensure sufficient food supply for the nation.
If re-elected, Swapo will focus on supporting poultry, and crop and horticulture farming across different parts of the country to reduce hunger and poverty by providing food for those in need.
Shaningwa then described Nandi-Ndaitwah as a hardworking, mature, disciplined and God-fearing presidential candidate, encouraging all Namibians to vote for her.
Shaningwa also used the rally to introduce over 50 residents of Otjiwarongo, who recently joined Swapo from different political parties.
Success
Addressing a Swapo star rally in Outjo, President Nangolo Mbumba highlighted improvements in water infrastructure, schools upgrades and electrification in the Kunene region as milestones achieved by the Swapo-led government to enhance the living standards in that area.
He cited projects such as a water infrastructure upgrade in the Saamstaan location, valued at N$400 000. Achievements also include electrical renovations at the Orumana Combined School and the !Gaeb School, along with the construction of 20 classrooms in the region, specifically at Otjerunda Combined School, Kaoko Otavi Combined School, Etoto West Primary School, Musaso Combined School, Elias Amxab Combined School and Ombombo Combined School, as well as the notable Outjo project school, valued at N$8 million.
These milestones are timely. The country faces a shortage of 4 400 classrooms, the United Nations Children’s Fund stated in its 2023/24 education brief.
Electricity
The president then committed to ensuring the security of energy supply.
The country’s overall electrification rate is estimated at 50%, with between 70% and 80% of rural households still without power, while 70% of households in urban areas are electrified.
He noted that the Swapo-led government has carried out several projects in and around the Outjo area, with the most recent being the Outjo Saamstaan electrification Phase 1 and 2, valued at N$1.3 million.
“A medium- and low-voltage network was installed, and 50 houses were connected. The electrical network in Outjo was upgraded with transformers and cables at a cost of N$520 000. The electrification of Outjo’s 7de Laan Phase 2 included electrification of 41 houses at
N$486 000,” he noted.
Sport
Mbumba pledged to realise the full potential of sportsmen and sportswomen by promoting sport in the Kunene region.
This vision will come to fruition in 2025 when the region will host The Namibian Newspaper Cup in Outjo and the Opuwo Mayoral 3 Cup, with Khorixas and Outjo events to follow.
At the same event, he campaigned for the election of the party’s presidential candidate, Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“As a party, we are ready to deliver. As cadres, we are ready to deliver. Our presidential candidate is ready to deliver. Please go to the polls and vote to give Swapo the mandate to govern for another five years and keep delivering,” he said.