Re-elected Swapo vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has seemingly wrested control of the ruling party, with her loyalists and backers at the just ended elective congress decisively making up the majority of the executive structure. 

The new faces in the influential body includes Swapo Party Youth League leader Hofni Iipinge, Cabinet ministers Frans Kapofi, minister Iipumbu Shiimi, Anna Nghipondoka, former youth leader Paula Kooper and struggle veteran Charles Mubita. Deputy ministers Kornelia Shilunga, Verna Sinimbo, Royal /Ui/o/oo and Bernadette Jagger also made the cut for the first time. Rehoboth-based Steve Sensus Ovambo and Edward Wambu have also been elected to the politburo following a marathon election, which started yesterday morning.

 Namibia’s ambassador to China Elia Kaiyamo and parliamentarians Maria Elago and Modestus Amutse also made the politburo of the ruling party for the first time. The old faces who retained their seats in the politburo include Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, governors Sirkka Ausiku and Laura McLeod-Katjirua. 

Deputy minister Veikko Nekundi is also in the politburo for the second time in a row. Those who failed to make the cut include environment minister Pohamba Shifeta, former education minister Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, parliamentarian Tobie Aupindi, vice president Nangolo Mbumba and works minister John Mutorwa. President Hage Geingob will also nominate two of his preferred male and female central committee members to the politburo as per the Swapo constitution. 

– ktjitemisa@nepc.com.na