Former president Pohamba urges Swapo to heed opposition voices

Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba has called on Namibia's ruling party, Swapo, to listen to the proposals of opposition parties and refrain from fighting with them.

The former head of state advised that political disagreements should be treated as opportunities to improve governance.

“We must not fight. Fighting does not give us anything,” Pohamba told information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus at his home in Okanghudi in the Ohangwena region last week during a courtesy visit.

“If the opposition are pointing out things, let’s look at what they are saying. And when we respond, we have to change. If they are right, why can’t we say, fellow citizens, you are right, we are looking into that situation?”

National interest

Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) spokesperson Imms Nashinge said Pohamba’s comments are welcome.

“Opposition doesn’t mean you are anti-Namibian or anti-progressive. Even if ideas from our manifesto are taken without acknowledgement, at least it shows they are listening,” Nashinge said.

He noted that opposition input often struggles to translate into action, pointing to delays in ministerial responses to parliamentary questions and the dominance of Swapo members in committees and public institutions.

Nashinge said all parties should have a role in shaping leadership in the public service and state-owned enterprises. “Leadership should not be about calling people comrades or excluding others based on party affiliation,” he said.

“It is about ensuring the country benefits, and every party has a responsibility in that.”

Maturing democracy

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah said Pohamba’s remarks reflect Namibia’s evolving democratic culture.

“The political environment has become more competitive as opposition parties gain confidence and voters demand accountability. Open debate can look confrontational, but it signals a maturing democracy,” Kamwanyah said.

He noted that while opposition parties influence public discussion, Swapo’s parliamentary dominance limits formal engagement, and former presidents like Pohamba can primarily shape the tone of discourse and encourage reflection rather than enforce policy change.

Party loyalty

Meanwhile, Pohamba also commended ministers and public servants for their work, while emphasising that citizens and lawmakers alike benefit when politicians prioritise national interest over party loyalty.

His remarks come at a time when opposition parties have increasingly sought parliamentary influence through motions, debates and oversight, often with limited formal uptake by the ruling party.

“Leadership is not about claiming sole credit or dominating processes,” Pohamba said. “It is about listening, acknowledging good ideas wherever they come from, and working together to advance the country.”

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