Katima Mulilo:The regional leadership of the Swapo Party Women's Council has been urged to unite in preparation for hosting the ninth Swapo Party Women's Council (SPWC) national congress.

According to Namibia Press Agency, SPWC Regional Information and Mobilisation Officer Ruthy Masake made this call during a briefing on Sunday, where she discussed the outcomes of an extraordinary central committee meeting held in Kamanjab on September 19. The congress is scheduled to take place from December 9 to 11, 2026, in Katima Mulilo. The decision to host the event in the Zambezi Region was made after evaluating the financial implications of holding it in Windhoek, determining that Zambezi would be a more cost-effective option.

This event will mark the first time the Zambezi Region hosts the SPWC National Congress, although it previously hosted the Swapo Party Youth League National Congress in August 2017. During the briefing, Masake announced the nominations of Francina Ndatelela Kahungu as the sole candidate for SPWC secretary and Maria Mukano Ntusi for deputy secretary.

Masake stressed the importance of the event and called on women leaders and members to maintain high standards of discipline, respect, and constructive engagement. She urged all Swapo members and local communities to work together to welcome delegates from across Namibia, emphasizing that hosting duties are a shared responsibility extending beyond the Women's Council.

Masake highlighted the opportunity for the Zambezi Region to showcase its organisational capacity and unity, urging the leadership and membership to embody the region's spirit of peace, cooperation, and hospitality. She encouraged members to conduct themselves responsibly as the congress approaches, reinforcing that leadership is about service and unity.