Mariental: The former Namibian Ambassador to China, Elia Kaiyamo, spoke at a mini rally hosted by the Iipumbu Yashilongo Swapo branch in the Mariental Urban Constituency on Saturday, where he called for unity and effective leadership.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the rally held in one of the informal settlements in Mariental Urban drew a strong turnout of Swapo Party members, including Hardap Region Governor, Riaan McNab. Kaiyamo, who served as the ambassador to China from 2016 until August 2025, asked the party members to remain united and to choose the right candidates in the regional and local authority elections that will take place on 26 November 2025.

"We chose President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah for a reason to govern this country for the next five years, but she cannot do it alone. She needs councillors on the ground who will help carry out the Swapo manifesto. That's why it's important to choose the right candidates who can deliver for the people," Kaiyamo stated.

Kaiyamo emphasized that Swapo's policies and goals were clear, saying the party's manifesto outlines the roadmap for development for Namibia and it must be implemented by capable and committed local and regional leaders.

Kaiyamo further called out the opposition political parties to focus on their own development plans and stop targeting Swapo, claiming that every political party should contribute to the country's development. "Other opposition parties must leave Swapo alone and focus on how they will bring development to the Namibian people. Swapo is busy implementing the promises it made to the nation," Kaiyamo added.

Reflecting on his time in Mariental before independence, Kaiyamo commended the progress made under Swapo's leadership over the past 35 years. "I was in Mariental in 1989 before independence, and there is a huge difference in development today, for 35 years, Swapo has brought development to this country and Swapo can still do more. That's why we must choose the right leaders to help President Nandi-Ndaitwah carry out the manifesto at regional level," Kaiyamo stated.

He concluded by reminding people that accountability remains essential in governance and if the elected councillors or local authority leaders fail to deliver, they must be removed.