Lahja Nashuuta
Swapo leader Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has dismissed reports suggesting a strained relationship between her and party secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa.
Quoting Founding President Sam Nujoma, Nandi-Ndaitwah said: “A people united, striving to achieve a common good for all the members of the society, will always emerge victorious.”
This, she said, is the mantra she embodies, while driving her message at the Swapo headquarters in Katutura yesterday.
This follows media reports that Shaningwa’s noticeable absence from several recent party events addressed by Nandi-Ndaitwah and suggested their relationship was at an all-time low.
These insinuations could not be any further from the truth, Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
“The leadership of the Swapo Party and the entire rank and file should be rest assured: the secretary general [Shaningwa] and I enjoy excellent and comradely working relationship. It is the wishful thinking of those peddling falsehoods to suggest otherwise,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
The head of state, also confirmed that she and Shaningwa consult frequently, both in person and over the phone, on key party matters, including the implementation of the Swapo Party Manifesto Implementation Plan.
“There is no bad blood between us. The prophets of doom who want to see Swapo fall apart are trying to sow seeds of disunity by fabricating stories, claiming the secretary general is absent from events I officiate. Let me state clearly: there is no need for us to always be seen together. At times, we have different programmes in different locations at the same time,” the President clarified.
Providing reasons for Shaningwa’s purported absences at key events, Nandi-Ndaitwah revealed that during Swapo’s 65th celebration in Kamanjab, Shaningwa was attending her cousin’s funeral.
While in mourning, Nandi-Ndaitwah recalled, Shaningwa wanted to only attend the memorial service and drive some 300km throughout the night to attend the celebration the following morning.
“I said no,” Nandi-Ndaitwah assured, adding that Shaningwa could attend her cousin’s burial while she and deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga handled the rest.
Meanwhile, on Workers’ Day, the SG was dispatched to receive new party members in Erongo, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund in particular.
“On Genocide Remembrance Day (28 May 2025), she was in Luanda, Angola, attending a Sister Liberation Movement meeting with the President’s full knowledge and blessing,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She added: “Our Swapo Party, the party you voted for, is led by a united leadership working tirelessly to ensure the party grows stronger. We are fully committed to addressing issues affecting the daily lives of our people, as outlined in our election manifesto.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the need for the media to be factual in its reporting.
“The media, as conveyors of information to the public, lacked realism and honesty in their reporting, to say the least,” Nandi-Ndaitwah remarked.
“During the campaign, the secretary general and I were often seen together because we were focused on one task: running a successful campaign. Now that we’ve won, our responsibilities have diversified. While I run the government, the secretary general manages the day-to-day affairs of the party,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
She reiterated that both leaders remain focused on strengthening the party and implementing the Swapo manifesto.
“Our focus is clear: continue leading Namibia towards a better future. We won’t be distracted by the prophets of doom, aided by some media outlets, who seek to divide us with lies. They will not succeed,” she said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah called on party leaders to stay focused on Swapo’s agenda.
“We must gear up for the upcoming by-elections and the regional and local elections at the end of this year. I extend my profound gratitude to the secretary general and all regional leadership structures who continue to work with dedication,” she said.