SPYL leadership row escalates in Kavango East

Deepening divisions within the Swapo Party Youth League (SPYL) in Kavango East have spilled into the open after regional mobiliser Bibiana Shapi rejected her suspension and accused regional leaders of pursuing an agenda aimed at destabilising the youth wing ahead of a crucial leadership conference.

Shapi's suspension, announced on 1 June by the SPYL regional executive committee (REC), followed allegations that she was involved in activities intended to undermine the authority and unity of the regional leadership, including an alleged plot to remove REC members.

The REC said the suspension was a precautionary measure pending an investigation and stressed that it did not amount to a finding of guilt.

Although the party has not specified the allegations, party sources allege that Shapi sought to influence the removal of elected REC members outside established party procedures.

She is also accused of participating in discussions contained in a circulating audio recording relating to a National Executive Committee (NEC) decision and efforts to persuade a nominated candidate to withdraw from a regional secretary election.

'Flawed' suspension

Shapi described the decision as unconstitutional, procedurally flawed and politically motivated.

In a letter seen by this publication and addressed to SPYL secretary general Ephraim Nekongo, she argued that the REC had exceeded its powers, insisting that regional structures do not have the authority to suspend members outright.

She maintained that, under the SPYL constitution, the REC may only recommend suspensions to higher structures, including the national executive committee and central committee, for consideration and ratification.

“The attempted suspension is therefore not only null and void but plainly unconstitutional,” she wrote.

Shapi further claimed that no legitimate REC meeting was convened to consider her suspension and accused a group of regional leaders of hijacking proceedings that were supposed to focus on an extraordinary regional conference.

“There is no formal complaint lodged against me, no investigative team appointed, and I was never notified of any allegations,” she stated.

Conference turmoil

The latest fallout comes against the backdrop of growing tensions surrounding the SPYL's long-awaited extraordinary regional conference, which was expected to elect a new regional secretary to complete the remainder of the term of former regional secretary Anselm Marungu, who simultaneously held the positions of regional secretary, deputy minister, councillor and National Council member.

The conference, which was scheduled to take place in Ndiyona over the weekend, was abruptly called off.

Media reports suggested that Marungu had resigned on the eve of the conference. He had been expected to chair the gathering and deliver the regional organisational report, leaving the event in uncertainty following his departure.

Speaking to Namibian Sun over the weekend, Marungu explained his decision to resign and said he did not quit at the last minute.

“I took a conscious decision to resign because I could not hold all these positions simultaneously. I am a deputy minister, councillor and National Council member, so I resigned,” he said.

Marungu said his departure should not have disrupted the organisation, arguing that SPYL structures should continue functioning regardless of individual office-bearers.

When contacted for comment, SPYL secretary general Ephraim Nekongo said: “I am not aware of any suspension. I am still waiting for the report from the leader assigned to the process on what transpired there.”

He said the national youth league had deployed a team from the national executive committee to facilitate the extraordinary regional conference and oversee the election of a new regional secretary.