Delegates to the Swapo Party elective congress hope for a leader who is not vengeful, nor vindictive, but a unifier.
About 900 Swapo Party members have convened in Windhoek to among other issues elect a new party leadership which includes the vice president of the party, who will be the country’s presidential candidate for the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Nampa spoke to several delegates who expressed hope that the victor would strengthen unity in the ruling party.
Elijah Ngurare said he hopes for a leader who will unite the party and the country in general.
“Whoever that person is, has the greater responsibility on his or her shoulders in uniting the party. It is to become that leader that forgets those that did not support you and it is to hold hands with those that probably threw mud on you and become a greater leader,” said Ngurare.
He added that Namibia needs a leader that is not vengeful, vindictive, tribal, one who is not arrogant, and one who is humble.
Gerson Dumeni advised the leader to consider that the party must be larger than the individual, and not to try to victimise those who were not on their side.
He then called on the delegates not only to look forward for the elections of leadership, but also to deliberate strongly on Swapo’s processes and system.
“Let’s not rush the delegates into elections only but also scrutinise our system, our tools that we are using such as the party’s constitution to speak to the current needs of the country and that of young people specifically,” he said.
Political analyst Professor Gerhard Tötemeyer said the Swapo Party has lost the impact it had on the lives and well-being of Namibians as it has become a disunited entity with a damaged position in society.
“Seemingly personal interests have become more important than the party and members must ask themselves what kind of reaction and support the party is getting these days. Why is it facing so much scepticism and losing credibility?” questioned Tötemeyer.
President Hage Geingob when he officially opened the congress on Friday stated that the party is far from being divided, and is far from being a party in crisis.
Incumbent Swapo Party Secretary General Sophia Shaningwa during her welcoming remarks also said all is well in Swapo.
“In 2018 when I stood as secretary general for the first time, I told you that all shall be well in Swapo, and all shall be maintained in Swapo,” she said.
The congress ends Sunday.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency
