Windhoek
A member of the central committee of the Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) has called for a rebranding of the party to accommodate non-Otjiherero speaking Namibians in order to strengthen its base.
Brian Riruako who is the son of the Nudo co-founder the late paramount chief Kuaima Riruako said there is a serious need to rebrand the party so that it can appeal to many.
“It is going to take long to rebrand, but we have to rebrand this party so that we can win elections in Keetmanshoop, Mariental, Oshakati and many other areas,” he said.
He acknowledges the efforts of Okakarara Councillor Vetaruhe Kandorozu, Otjinene Councillor Erwin Katjizeu and many others, but said he is sure that more could be done.
The party has in the past been perceived as tribalistic, but its leaders insist the party belongs to all Namibians.
“There are those people who see Nudo as a Herero party and that is totally wrong so we want to correct that perception,” said Nudo secretary general Meundju Jahanika in an interview with New Era last year.
He acknowledged that the majority of its members are Otjiherero, similar to any other political party which has one tribe as the majority such as Swapo, UDF and APP.
Nudo is said to be the only opposition party to have made some gains – albeit insignificant – in both the regional and local authority elections held last year.