The victory of Kapika Tjaverua on 26 November 2025, is more than just a political result, it is a powerful lesson in democracy and community consciousness. It validated the public declaration made during the campaign that voters in Okakarara are ready to choose quality and conviction over political colours and slogans.

This critical shift in mindset is what we must harness now. The people have spoken, they demand leaders who will serve the community’s interests, not just their party’s. As Friedrich Nietzsche observed, politicians often divide mankind into “tools and enemies,” but the voters of Okakarara chose to transcend this divide by voting for a “tool” of development, regardless of the ‘enemy’ label placed on their party by others.

The question I pose to all concerned citizens is, “Is the difference between parties like Swanu, Nudo and PDM one of fundamental ideology, or merely one of governance execution?”

The Scientific/Historical Explanation: If we look at the historical objectives of these parties, particularly the older ones like Swanu and Nudo, their initial aims were profoundly similar to each other and even to Swapo: national liberation, political independence, and the social and economic advancement of the Namibian people.
The Common Thread: The core objective of nearly all Namibian political parties, at its most fundamental level, is to achieve sustainable development in a peaceful political environment and uplift the lives of our people. We are descendants of a Genocide.

The Divergence: The differences often manifest in ideological emphasis (e.g., Swanu’s historical socialist stance and emphasis on self–reliance versus the PDM/former DTA’s historically more centrist/conservative approach) and, crucially, in the governance models proposed. But in the local context, where issues are tangible water, roads, education, and jobs, the ultimate objective is the same: a strong, prosperous community.

The scientific conclusion is clear: All our parties share the fundamental objective of an uplifted, flourishing community. The time for fighting over leadership positions must end. We must recognise our common purpose and unite our energy for the sake of Okakarara.

We see our youth joining the diaspora in search of employment, while our constituency is rich in potential, particularly in beef production and agriculture. The focus must immediately shift to value addition and economic emancipation. We must collectively challenge the persistent “jobs for comrades” policy of the ruling party by actively creating our own path. 

We need to:

Add Value Locally: Establish processing facilities for our beef, hides, and other agricultural products right here in the constituency.

Groom Youth: Invest in entrepreneurial training and mentorship to turn job seekers into job creators.

Invest in Ourselves: Support local businesses and co-operatives to keep money circulating within our community.

This is not a political platform; this is an economic survival strategy. The development of the Okakarara constituency must be the responsibility of everyone, regardless of the political colour they wear on the day before election dayWe are building a new foundation on self-reliance and community power. Let us be guided by the words of American writer and activist Wendell Berry: “A community is not merely a condition of life, but a force of life.” A community that employs itself and feeds itself is a force, a strong, self–determining entity that is not reliant on the shifting sands of national politics. Let’s move beyond the banner and work as a united force to build a prosperous Okakarara for all.

-Mbunga Mbueza is a holder of B.Ed. (Hons) Education Management, Law and Policy. He is a teacher by proffersion and writes in his own capacity.