Ministers lose out on nomination slots

Some Swapo members have been shaken out of their comfort zones as the politburo directed regions and districts to replace those members who were elected to congress, contrary with the party constitution.The Swapo secretary-general (SG) Nangolo Mbumba, in a press release on the politburo meeting's proceedings, said the politburo resolved to follow the party constitution to the letter. “Consequently, those members who were elected by the district conferences and regional conferences but who do not belong to either the District Executive Committee or Regional Executive Committee are disqualified as delegates to the 6th congress. This provision does not apply to members who are members of either the District Executive Committee or Regional Executive Committee in an ex-officio capacity.” The minsters that will be affected by this resolution include presidential affairs minister Frans Kapofi, mines minister Obeth Kandjoze, economic planning minister Tom Alweendo, finance minister Calle Schlettwein, youth and sport deputy minister Agnes Tjongarero, deputy international relations minister Maureen Hinda and the deputy minister in the prime minister's office Christine Hoebes.The politburo said the disqualification of all the Otjombinde district still stands. “Finally, the politburo calls on all its members to conduct a vigorous but clean and civilised campaign, to accept the outcome of the democratic process and to move forward together,” said Mbumba.Meanwhile, housing minister Sophia Shaningwa was sworn in on Friday as a member of the politburo in the place of former president Hifikepunye Pohamba.“According to the Swapo constitution the politburo consists of 24 members. Due to a vacancy that exists on the politburo, the next in line on the party list of elected members to the politburo will become a member. In this respect, Sophia Shaningwa, being the next in line, becomes the member of the politburo,” Mbumba said.According to Mbumba the politburo will on Thursday accept nominations for the top four positions, while on Sunday the central committee will meet to finalise these nominations.Geingob presented his list on Friday announcing that he would like to have Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as vice-president, Shangingwa as SG, Marco Hausiku as deputy SG.Geingob told the Politburo that the party's democracy will be tested this year, being the year of the Swapo Elective Congress.He cautioned members to campaign issues and not personalities.“Therefore, those cadres that qualify to contest for elections have the right to do so as per our constitution. You play the man, you leave wounds and the game descends into bitterness, since wounds don't heal easily.”JEMIMA BEUKES

Ministers lose out on nomination slots

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-08

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Ministers lose out on nomination slots

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-08

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