MASOKOTWANE – The Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Doreen Sioka says the Swapo-led government cares for its people and it has brought unrivalled development despite being in power for only 24 years.
Addressing Swapo members and supporters at a rally at Masokotwane some 30 kilometres west of Katima Mulilo, she noted that the South African apartheid regime ruled Namibia for decades but brought nothing but suffering among the people.
“Swapo cares for its people and it’s an experienced party. South Africa ruled this country for 75 years but Swapo has only ruled for 24 years and look at the development that we brought. Look at this area, we had nothing here, but now we have electricity, a tarred road and potable water,” she told potential voters at the rally.
Sioka stated that Swapo resonates with the people as can be attested by its recent victory in the Endola by-election. “And remember that this is the home of RDP president Hidipo Hamutenya. These are parties that broke away from Swapo thinking they will make a difference,” said Sioka to loud applause from the rally.
Sioka who hails from the Sibbinda Constituency in the Zambezi Region urged fellow residents to vote overwhelmingly for Swapo, adding that the constituency is well represented given the number of candidates on the Swapo list from the area.
“People in Sibbinda should consider themselves lucky. You have four people on the list as candidates and all of them are women. Don’t miss this opportunity. Don’t be misled by some people. I urge you to go out in large numbers and vote for Swapo,” Sioka implored voters.
Sioka once again denounced tribalism and stated that unity is paramount to attracting investors and development in the region.
“Swapo believes in unity. Let’s stop calling each other by our tribes. We are all Namibians. A lot of people here are saying Kavango is more developed compared to Zambezi. We are left behind because of tribal tendencies and other senseless acts like the 1999 attack. A lot of investors are afraid. Our own people died during that attack. Let’s not take freedom for granted,” said Sioka.
According to Sioka, there’s a need to educate the youths on Namibia’s bitter history because they often take the hard won freedom for granted.
“Our parents and teachers should teach our children about our history. Some of these young people think it was easy and are busy disrupting the peace we enjoy today,” said Sioka.
She promised an increase in the age old pension stating that the ruling party recognises the role that the elderly continue to play in the upkeep of their grandchildren.
“In 2015 we will increase the old age pension and this will be done annually. The government has seen the role the elderly continue to play in raising their grandchildren without any proper support from their own children,” stated Sioka.
Sioka once again condemned the continued stance of the “Caprivi Concerned Group” on boycotting the elections due to the delayed high treason case.
She also appealed to guardians and parents of orphans and disabled children to register them so that they benefit from government grants.