WINDHOEK– McHenry Venaani who is arguably the most ambitious politician among the youth in opposition politics became the fourth DTA president after he was elected at the party’s elective congress in Katutura on Saturday.
Venaani, who was the underdog in the race, secured 148 votes against the 96 polled by veteran politician and his main contender Katuutire Kaura who has been at the helm of the party since 1998 when he succeeded Mishake Muyongo who is exiled in Denmark. The much-vaunted Venaani, it seems, is reaching the political zenith at the right time, following his resounding victory over his mentor, Katuutire Kaura. Kaura’s plot to use Venaani’s youthfulness and limited political experience to his advantage failed to yield any positive results this time around and the defeat could consign the elderly opposition politician to history and full-time cattle farming.
In other results, Kazeongore Tjeundo became the party’s new vice-president when he garnered 82 out of 142 votes, defeating his predecessor Phillemon Moongo, another spent opposition force who could only garner 60 votes in the process. Jennifer van den Heever defeated Atanasius Mukoya to become the party’s new chairperson after she received 81 of the 128 votes up for contention. Sampie Cloete and Agatus Antanga were elected as vice-chairman and secretary of the party respectively after they were elected unopposed. Sikosi Lasken is the new secretary of information after defeating Jefta Imene.
The central committee also elected Nico Smit as the new secretary for finance, after he defeated Gerson Mbatemua. Vincent Kanyetu, who is the current regional coordinator for the Kavango East and West regions, was elected unopposed as the party’s new secretary general.
All odds were in favour of the party’s more youthful leaders, as most of the DTA faithful apparently felt the time has arrived to resurrect the party’s fortunes by way of electing mainly younger leaders. Kaura’s assumption of the leadership of the DTA has witnessed the party’s parliamentary representation shrink from 15 seats to only two seats. In his brief concession message, the veteran politician thanked the entire membership of the DTA for showing confidence in him to lead the party for 15 years. “The baton has now been passed on to someone else. I am going to continue voting and campaigning for the DTA. You have expressed your democratic right and be resolute from this point on, go out as regional and local councillors, chairmen and in other capacities and campaign for the party. I will lend my support wherever I can and I will be a good voter for the party,” said Kaura.
Delivering his victory speech, Venaani said: “I must admit when I challenged you (Kaura) last time, it was a bit too fast, it was not my time. I appreciate the fact that you kept me under your wings this whole time. Fighting the indomitable Katuutire Kaura was not an easy battle.”
Venaani, who on Saturday became the party’s fourth president, applauded Kaura for his leadership and called on all party structures to unite towards strengthening the party.
“Katuutire Kaura … my teacher and mentor, I remember the meetings I had to undertake on your behalf during the days. I know you were sending me to sharpen me, you might not have sharpened me the way you wanted, but your mentorship and consistent advice have made me who I am today,” said an emotional Venaani. The party’s new president also proposed to the central committee that Kaura be conferred the ‘DTA Honorary Chairman’ title for his contributions to the party.
“It is my wish as your new leader to ask this central committee to declare Katuutire Kaura as the honorary chairman of this party at this moment,” pleaded Venaani, whose plea was received with loud cheers and ululation. “Just as the Arabs got their spring, the time has come for a DTA spring, a time to revive our organization and to work together,” said Venaani.
Phillemon Moongo, who earlier this year accused Venaani of causing division in the party and being immature to lead the party, was spared the sword by Venaani during the congress. Many of those in attendance expected Venaani to take a swipe at the ailing Moongo, but as always, he remained modest and magnanimous and stretched out his hand in friendship to the veteran politician. “Honorable Moongo, you are my leader, I shall forever remain indebted to you for the experiences I learned with you. I promise that I will always consult the elders of this party, you included, when it comes to matters of the party.”
Venaani further urged the party’s youth league to maintain discipline and to remain respectful if the party is going to yield any positive outcomes during next year’s general elections.
“Our conduct should be in accordance, as youth we are given an opportunity to prove ourselves, respect is the key. If you do not respect those that came before you, you will not succeed,” said the new DTA president. “The campaign team of Venaani has ceased to exist as of today, now we all need to join hands and campaign for the party. I promise that no one who fought against me shall in anyway be victimised while I am the leader. Those who supported me, who think it is their time to celebrate by mocking others, just know that you are not doing it with my permission,” warned Venaani.
Venaani, who was born the same year the party was founded, could not have asked for a better 37th birthday gift which he celebrated yesterday. This was Venaani’s second attempt to ascend to the presidency of the DTA after an unsuccessful first attempt in 2005 against the very same man he beat on Saturday, when he lost by 14 votes.
| Position | Former occupant | New occupant |
| President | Katuutire Kaura | McHenry Venaani |
| Vice-President | Phillemon Moongo | Kazeongore Tjeundo |
| Chairman | Johan De Waal | Jennifer van den Heever |
| Vice-Chairman | Willem De Klerk | Sampie Cloete |
| Secretary for Finance | Barbara Ratae | Nico Smit |
| Secretary for Organization | Brilliant Musiwa | Agatus Antanga |
| Secretary of Information | Rehabeam Katjijova | Sikosi Lasken |
| Secretary general | McHenry Venaani | Vincent Kanyetu |
Mathias Haufiku