By Kuvee Kangueehi
Windhoek
After leading the Swapo Party for almost five decades, president Sam Nujoma has finally passed the torch and mantle of the leadership of the party to vice president Hifikepunye Pohamba.
This, however, is still to be confirmed by congress.
Officially opening the 4th Swapo Party Congress at the Safari Court in the capital yesterday, Nujoma informed congress that he will not be available for re-election as president of Swapo Party.
The Founding President, however, noted that although he is stepping down as Swapo Party president, he would always make himself available for party assignments in order to further strengthen and consolidate its growth.
Nujoma’s announcement was greeted by a round of applause as delegates broke into song, singing “Sam Nujoma you have led us to freedom”.
Although the party secretary general, Dr Ngarikutuke Tjiriange, dismissed the notion that Nujoma will become the party national chairperson, a party insider informed New Era that the party is working on a proposal to accommodate the Founding President in the party structures.
The insider said the position might not be termed national chairperson. It could have a different name and its role and powers have not yet been defined and will be debated at the congress.
Addressing the packed congress, Nujoma used the opportunity to express his gratitude to the entire leadership as well as the rank and file of Swapo Party for the collective leadership and comradeship through which they steered Swapo Party for the past 47 years.
“I have confidence in the entire leadership that they can lead the party to greater heights and achieve victory in the second phase of the struggle for economic independence.”
He once again stressed unity, saying the strength of the party has always been built on the strong foundation of unity of purpose and action.
“It is through unity that Swapo Party successfully governed this country for the past 17 years and therefore we should continue to promote unity in all structures and leadership levels of our party.”
Nujoma urged party members to fight against regionalism, tribalism and individualism. He said this is the only way the party will be able to build a strong united and prosperous nation.
Nujoma said the purpose of the congress is to evaluate the party’s performance during the past five years and to formulate and adopt resolutions that will position Swapo Party to continue leading the people of Namibia towards the realisation of Vision 2030.
The former Head of State also noted that during the past 17 years, the Swapo Party Government has achieved notable successes in laying the foundation for socio-economic development.
He highlighted the development of infrastructure such as roads, deepening of harbours, education and training and expansion of quality health care as some of the achievements made by the Swapo Party Government.
Nujoma, however, noted that despite the achievements, the country still faces numerous challenges. He said the top-most priority is to build on the gains that the party has made over the years.
“We should redouble our efforts, which are aimed at eradication of poverty, disease and ignorance in our communities and to devise effective mechanisms which enhance economic growth and development.”
Nujoma said Namibia remains one of the world’s main exporters of mineral products such as diamonds, uranium, gold, fluorite, copper, zinc and lead.
He noted that these mineral products and metals have many applications in various industries, including electrical, construction, chemical and energy as well as jewellery, metallurgy and the automotive industry.
He said the country should embark on manufacturing and value addition to natural resources to manufacture finished products for local consumption and export.