The Popular Democratic Movement says 2023 is theirs for the taking, having lined up an avalanche of activities that could possibly see its membership increase by 300 000, continue holding government to account and fighting corruption that has engulfed the nation.
This sums up PDM’s ambitious plans for 2023, fresh from two years that have tested whether or not Namibia’s second largest political formation can put its money where its mouth is.
Classic examples include the leadership feud that ensued between party heavyweights leader McHenry Venaani and fellow parliamentarian Vipuakuje Muharukua in 2021, or the botched youth league congress early 2022.
A court ruling in July last year also tested the grounds on which it stands.
The judgement forced six PDM parliamentarians out of the National Assembly and replaced them with six others after the membership of the former group was found to have been invalid, null and void.
There was a trip to the United Kingdom organised by PDM’s Katutura Central constituency councillor Vezemba Katjaimo which also made headlines in 2022.
This adventure, which saw desperate 198 Namibians fork out a combined N$12 million never saw the light of day.
Critics at the time accused Venaani of treating Katjaimo with kid gloves due to their family ties.
Agenda 2023
If anything, in 2023, the party looks forward with sheer optimism.
High on the agenda this year is for PDM to reach out to other opposition parties to discuss a possible coalition ahead of the 2024 general elections, its top administrator Manuel Ngaringombe confirmed.
While the formation of a coalition is seen by pundits and politicians alike as the only option to dislodge the ruling Swapo from government, it has remained a mere mirage, over the years.
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) has already ruled out the possibly of joining any coalition, citing that other political parties are simply not genuine in their intentions or in addressing the country’s bread and butter issues.
During an interview with this paper yesterday, Venaani described 2023 as a packed calendar.
The official opposition party in parliament has set its sights on leading a crusade that will reform housing and land delivery, with a special focus on shanty towns.
Following the lackluster performance of the education sector, which was amplified through the release of the grade 11 and 12 results last week, the party will hold an “education symposium in January to discuss an ailing sector for the youth”.
The agriculture sector also needs an overhaul, with job creation, particularly for the youth at the heart of this reform, Venaani added.
In addition, the amended or review of the Marine Resources Act, which is said to have birthed Namibia’s biggest corruption scandal to date - Fishrot - will also enjoy PDM’s heightened attention this year, Venaani added.
“(We also want a) national audit on resettlement farms and the reviewing of the audit report. Among many, our job is to hold government to account,” the seasoned politician-cum-farmer said.
Internal politics
On the political front, PDM is expected to hold three congresses this year: the PDM youth league congress, PDM elders’ council congress and the PDM women’s council congress.
In April next year, the mother body will hold its congress, where whoever emerges president will be PDM’s flag bearer during the 2024 presidential and National Assembly elections.
That congress is expected to be fierce, with some party bigwigs working around the clock to topple Venaani, whose grip at its helm could reach 15 years if he wins in 2024.
So far, there are no clear challengers for the top seat, apart from Muharukua, who has allegedly told his close allies that he has no intentions to challenge Venaani.
Asked if the party is not running the risk of emerging divided by holding an internal election during a national election year, Venaani said they have been there before and emerged stronger.
The last congress was in 2019. The nation also went to the polls that year.
“A congress is a key testing ground of political inclusiveness and democracy. It’s a river we must cross albeit with caution to maintain cohesion,” Venaani said.
He hastened to add: “We are a mature movement and we will emerge stronger and focused. We are already on the trails preparing for national elections, so we will manage our differences maturely and focus on the bigger picture.”
Operation 300k
At party level, PDM will continue with its ongoing recruitment drive under the #GiveUsAChance catchphrase, while simultaneously restructuring its branches in the 121 constituencies.
Ultimately, PDM aims to recruit at least 300 000 new members by December 2023.
“We’re busy with the recruitment drive. We need new members in order to garner more votes for 2024,” said Ngaringombe.
This year will also see the centre-right movement intensify its internal capacity building efforts, with special focus on their regional and local authority councillors.