Steven Klukowski
Andreas Thomas
As the election campaign calendar takes shape, Swapo’s weekend was nothing short of active.
From celebrating 64 years of existence to pouring cold water over allegations making the rounds on various platforms, Swapo continued with its quest to assert itself as a party ready to defend its turf.
Fresh from her recent visit to China, Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa dismissed assertions that her recent trip was to conspire with the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to print ballot papers as a way of undermining the democratic electoral process later this year. She said Swapo respects the law, and will never engage in clandestine activities.
She also hastened to dismiss assertions that Chinese-born property mogul Stina Wu was part of her delegation to that country.
Chinese trip
Shaningwa expressed dismay at allegations that her recent trip to East Asia was aimed at seeking assistance from the Communist Party to enable the ruling party to win the November 2024 elections.
She travelled to China on 11 May. She also denied claims that she was accompanied by the chief executive officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), Petrus Shaama.
Upon her return on Saturday, Shaningwa held a press briefing at the Hosea Kutako International Airport to address the allegations circulating on social media. The ruling party’s chief administrator stated that she wanted the media to witness first-hand that Shaama and Wu were not part of her nine-member delegation to Beijing.
She told reporters that she went to China because of the political, bilateral relationship between Swapo and the Communist Party of China.
She said rumours that she sought help from the Communist Party in relation to the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections are lies.
“It has been alleged that this is where the danger is. Therefore, I called you (the media) to come out. It has been alleged that in my delegation, I had taken along the chief executive officer of the ECN (Shaama) so that the two of us can prepare the ballot papers for the November elections.
I would like to make it clear that the Swapo Party is a party of order. And for the ballot paper to be prepared, it does not only depend on one political party. It is a process that is agreed upon by all the political parties as to where and when the ballot papers must be printed,” said Shaningwa.
“They have to be signed by all political parties. It is very irresponsible for people to start tainting the name of Swapo that I had gone to China to print the ballot papers. It doesn’t work like that,” she reiterated.
Ties-that-bind
“I would like to make it clear that the political, bilateral relations between the Swapo Party and the Communist Party of China have been there since prior to independence.
This relationship was established by comrade Sam Nujoma, the first president of the party. I would also like to make it clear that I am not the first secretary general to visit the Communist Party. It is a continuous process, and it shall be that the two parties assist each other up until perhaps something happens between us. But for now, we are having that sisterly friendship, and we will continue to respect that on a mutual basis,” she added.
The former liberation movement is preparing to contest the general elections on 27 November 2024 against determined opposition parties.
Meanwhile, ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka confirmed to Nampa that Shaama was not part of the Swapo delegation to China. Property developer Wu also told Nampa from Rundu on Saturday that she did not travel to China with the Swapo delegation.
“The closest I have been to China lately is ordering takeout, and if I am in China, I definitely enjoy some great dim sun with myself. While I admire those who navigate the political landscape, my expertise lies more in navigating business deals. Unless Swapo needs advice on profit margins or customer satisfaction, I am not their go-to person. To sum it up, the only party I am involved with is the one where we celebrate our business milestones, and everyone is invited,” Wu said.
Swapo at 64
While Shaningwa was busy extinguishing political fires, scores of party loyalists descended on the southern town of Mariental in the Hardap region to celebrate Swapo’s 64 years of existence.
The event, which was preceded by the official opening of the party’s regional head office, was held at the Hage Geingob Stadium on Saturday.
Delivering her keynote address, party vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (NNN) said no nation or party cannot pride itself on a rich history.
“As I observe this gathering of the masses celebrating this auspicious event today, I am very encouraged and filled with gratitude and happiness,” Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also Swapo’s presidential candidate, said.
NNN, as she is affectionately known within party circles, took note of the attendance of children, or pioneers, as they are known in the Swapo dictionary.
This, she said, was testimony that Swapo is a healthy political party.
“It is further an indication that we are here to stay,” she added.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is also Namibia’s Vice President (VP), continued that the celebrations come at a time when the nation is regaining strength following the demise of Namibia’s third democratically-elected president, Hage Geingob.
“Little did we know last year that it would be the last time he addressed such an event when celebrating our 63rd birthday in Grootfontein,” she remarked emotionally.
“In light of this, it is now more important than ever before for us to pick up our spears and forge ahead with clear confidence and courage to guide us into the future.”
Liberation
Swapo’s presidential candidate also went down memory lane, saying Swapo was formed on 19 April 1960, with the very clear purpose of liberating Namibia from the yoke of apartheid, colonialism and oppression.
“Since then, the party mobilised progressive forces, namely workers, students, farmers and the youth against the colonial occupation of our country,” she observed.
Boastfully, NNN said Swapo was the strong political force which dislodged the apartheid regime.
“As we are celebrating this day, we must also remember our international friends who remained with us at all times, even after our independence,” she said.
She added that those who supported Swapo when it was not so fashionable to do so will continue supporting Namibia in its quest for economic emancipation.
This was in reference to countries such as China, Russia, Cuba, Zambia and Tanzania, to mention but a few.
“It, therefore, gives me great pleasure to join you today in these celebrations, demonstrating hope for the future and the pride of the rich history of Swapo,” she said.
Freedom
Interviewed by New Era on the sidelines of the event, party spokesperson Hilma Nikanor said Swapo was founded, among others, to create a vehicle to liberate Namibia from the colonial yoke for all.
“This is an achievement that was realised. As we all know, we have now lived 34 years in an independent country,” she said.
Nikanor continued that Swapo is “here to stay and sustain what they brought about, ensuring a bright future for generations to come.”
In his contribution, Swapo //Kharas regional coordinator Mathew Mumbala was optimistic about the future.
“Rest assured that we will break through and regain regions, constituencies and local authorities we lost in the last elections, as we will always remain united,” he promised.
Local supporter Katriana Modise said it was evident that Swapo will remain focused, and not be distracted by opposition parties.
“We will always remain victorious as Swapo stayed, and will continue standing by its word,” she added.
The event saw the likes of Prime Minister Saara Kuukongelwa-Amadhila, various regional governors, Cabinet ministers, high-ranking political officials, supporters from all corners of the country, and members of the diplomatic corps in attendance.
Membership
On the day, many supporters from opposition parties, including the likes of former Landless People’s Movement’s (LPM) Mariental mayor Adam Kuhlman, rejoined Swapo.
Welcoming the returnees, Kuukongelwa-Amadhila informed them that Swapo is the only political party which can propel Namibia to the desired country everybody wants. Hence, they made the correct choice to return.
“Be reminded, however, that our freedom comes with responsibility. It is now our collective duty to see what we can bring about to implement the change we want,” she noted.
-Nampa
(Swapo)
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