Katima councillors protest election postponement
• Group demands answers, transparency
Four Swapo councillors say the party's standing in the region is at risk.
Phillipus JosefNdonga Linena
Four Katima Mulilo Swapo councillors have raised formal concerns over the sudden date change of the Katima Urban primary elections and their removal from the candidate list.
They warn that the decisions risk alienating party supporters in a key ruling party stronghold.
In a letter addressed to Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa dated 10 August, councillors Lister Shamalaza, Namangolwa Mapenzie, John Ntemwa and Chiza Simanga said the announcement was made without prior consultation.
On 9 August, Veikko Nekundi, chairperson of the leaders assigned to the region, reportedly informed party structures that the elections would be delayed until further notice, with reasons to be communicated only on 12 August. The elections are now tentatively scheduled for 16 or 17 August.
The councillors also raised objections over the decision to withdraw sitting councillors from the candidate list, arguing that no investigation or opportunity to respond to allegations had been provided.
They warned this could undermine party unity, particularly with the regional and local authority elections scheduled for November, when maintaining strong support in Katima Mulilo will be crucial.
“The repeated delays and the withdrawal of sitting councillors risk disenfranchising supporters and opening the door for opposition groups to capitalise on frustration,” the letter reads.
Misrepresentation
The writers also referenced past council decisions, notably a 2020 meeting in which the Katima Mulilo Town Council approved the subdivision and sale of a portion of Erf 3526 to Malena Property Investment (Pty) Ltd.
According to the minutes, the decision aimed to develop a shopping complex, conference facilities and recreational areas for the town while addressing public safety and waste disposal issues in the vicinity.
The councillors emphasised that the sale and development process was conducted according to established council procedures and had no bearing on a current political dispute.
“The council has always acted within its mandate. Any suggestion otherwise misrepresents the facts,” the letter notes.
Risk
The group urged the party leaders to communicate the reasons for the postponement with immediate effect, ensure that no withdrawal of candidates occurs without due process, and protect the unity and credibility of Swapo in the Zambezi region through transparent and fair procedures.
In a telephone interview with Namibian Sun this week, party members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were “not happy with how the situation has been handled.”
They noted growing unease among some members over divisions within the party in the region. “If issues like this are not resolved soon, it could seriously affect the party’s standing ahead of the November regional and local authority elections,” one source said.
Attempts to obtain comment on the issue from Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa on Wednesday were unsuccessful.
In a telephone interview, Shaningwa reiterated her long-standing stance that she does not engage with newspapers, effectively forfeiting her right of reply. “By now you should know that I do not speak to newspapers,” she said.
Four Katima Mulilo Swapo councillors have raised formal concerns over the sudden date change of the Katima Urban primary elections and their removal from the candidate list.
They warn that the decisions risk alienating party supporters in a key ruling party stronghold.
In a letter addressed to Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa dated 10 August, councillors Lister Shamalaza, Namangolwa Mapenzie, John Ntemwa and Chiza Simanga said the announcement was made without prior consultation.
On 9 August, Veikko Nekundi, chairperson of the leaders assigned to the region, reportedly informed party structures that the elections would be delayed until further notice, with reasons to be communicated only on 12 August. The elections are now tentatively scheduled for 16 or 17 August.
The councillors also raised objections over the decision to withdraw sitting councillors from the candidate list, arguing that no investigation or opportunity to respond to allegations had been provided.
They warned this could undermine party unity, particularly with the regional and local authority elections scheduled for November, when maintaining strong support in Katima Mulilo will be crucial.
“The repeated delays and the withdrawal of sitting councillors risk disenfranchising supporters and opening the door for opposition groups to capitalise on frustration,” the letter reads.
Misrepresentation
The writers also referenced past council decisions, notably a 2020 meeting in which the Katima Mulilo Town Council approved the subdivision and sale of a portion of Erf 3526 to Malena Property Investment (Pty) Ltd.
According to the minutes, the decision aimed to develop a shopping complex, conference facilities and recreational areas for the town while addressing public safety and waste disposal issues in the vicinity.
The councillors emphasised that the sale and development process was conducted according to established council procedures and had no bearing on a current political dispute.
“The council has always acted within its mandate. Any suggestion otherwise misrepresents the facts,” the letter notes.
Risk
The group urged the party leaders to communicate the reasons for the postponement with immediate effect, ensure that no withdrawal of candidates occurs without due process, and protect the unity and credibility of Swapo in the Zambezi region through transparent and fair procedures.
In a telephone interview with Namibian Sun this week, party members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were “not happy with how the situation has been handled.”
They noted growing unease among some members over divisions within the party in the region. “If issues like this are not resolved soon, it could seriously affect the party’s standing ahead of the November regional and local authority elections,” one source said.
Attempts to obtain comment on the issue from Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa on Wednesday were unsuccessful.
In a telephone interview, Shaningwa reiterated her long-standing stance that she does not engage with newspapers, effectively forfeiting her right of reply. “By now you should know that I do not speak to newspapers,” she said.
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