By Engel Nawatiseb TSUMEB SWAPO Party members in the Oshikoto Region have been advised to exercise frugality during the holidays to spare money for donations for the construction of the party headquarters. The party’s regional coordinator in the region, Armas Amukwiyu said his region would commence a fundraising campaign early next year aimed at raising capital to boost the national fund for the construction of party offices. Swapo Party President Sam Nujoma announced the fundraising campaign at the party’s Central Committee meeting in Windhoek recently. It is estimated that the new offices will cost in excess of N$140 million. “As much as we have to save money to cater for our beloved families, we are also duty bound to contribute towards our party activities and I have no doubt that all our members are committed to offer the little they can towards this cause,” stated Amukwiyu. He urged members to maintain maximum discipline and caution during the festive season. Amukwiyu appealed to his members to remain vigilant at all times and to respect the law. He said the integrity and image of the ruling party should be protected by members and should not be compromised unnecessarily through indulgence in anti-social activities under the guise of Christmas and related festivities. Amukwiyu reminded elected leaders of the party that they have a pivotal role to play in the fight against HIV and AIDS. ” We go out there to enjoy our Christmas but nothing should stop us to raise awareness around AIDS amongst our communities during this festive period because we (Swapo) have a political role to play 24 hours around the clock.” He reminded long distance drivers, particularly those traveling to the far north, that the majority of passengers taking that route are mostly Swapo Party members and that their lives should be protected at all costs. He added that such passengers are valuable assets of his party since they are voters that are registered with the party. ” We have lost unnecessary votes as a result of fatalities on the country’s roads during the festive season especially on the Ondangwa/Otjiwarongo main roads. We should continue with our mobilization campaign during the holiday break and not lose our valuable members,” he stated. Amukwiyu reminded passengers to make their voices heard if drivers are seen overloading or using vehicles that are not roadworthy before undertaking any trip. According to him, the implementation of sections of the Swapo Party manifesto in most sub-national institutions has been the highlight on the political calendar of his party in the region.