New HQ marks Swapo ‘renewal and progress’

Swapo president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Saturday urged party members to remain united and reject misinformation as the ruling party prepared to officially open its long-awaited national headquarters during celebrations marking its 66th anniversary.

The new headquarters, situated opposite Katutura Intermediate Hospital in Windhoek, has been one of the party’s most high-profile and controversial projects.

Reporting by The Namibian in 2019 placed the tender at N$730 million, nearly double an earlier estimate of N$400 million. Later reporting suggested the overall cost had escalated to more than N$1 billion amid delays and unpaid contractor claims.

Addressing Swapo’s central committee meeting at the Gateway Centre on Saturday, Nandi-Ndaitwah said: “This occasion will stand as a symbol of renewal, progress, and our enduring presence as a party committed to serving the people of Namibia."

Her remarks focused heavily on internal cohesion, warning members against division and what she described as calculated misinformation aimed at weakening the party.

She said some individuals are using modern communication platforms to spread confusion, mistrust and disunity among party structures.

“We must remain focused and reject them in the strongest terms,” she said.

Progress

She stressed that unity had been central to Swapo’s liberation struggle and remained essential for governance and development. She added that diversity of views within the party should not come at the expense of loyalty to party values and discipline.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also used the address to defend progress made under Swapo’s 2025–2030 election manifesto. She cited the establishment of the National Youth Development Fund and the implementation of fully subsidised registration and tuition fees at universities as examples of government delivery.

These measures, she said, would expand opportunities for young Namibians and ease the burden on families.

Nandi-Ndaitwah also paid tribute to late central committee member James Uerikua and his son Venturo, who died in a car accident earlier this month, asking delegates to observe a moment of silence before proceedings began.

[email protected]