Business must invest in Swapo - Hauwanga

The chairperson of the Swapo Party Technical Committee in the North, Ben Hauwanga, says businesspeople have to ensure that the ruling party is strong, united and focused on achieving its missions. Speaking at a ruling party gala dinner in Ongwediva, the businessman said there was nothing wrong with the business sector investing in politics, as business thrives in a stable and secure environment. “As much as business would invest in building infrastructure or human resource development, investing in democracy is also healthy as it provides a stable environment in which to do business,” Hauwanga said. International business people operating at Oshikango contributed the highest amounts during the gala dinner held this past Friday night that collected over N$8.6 million in pledges. Topping that list was the Indian owner of Ezzy Import and Export Diamond Kamrudin Bhanji, who pledged N$2.2 million in cash after he promised to outdo the highest pledge at the event with more than 25%. Bhanji is said to have flown into the country on a private jet from Dubai just to attend the fundraiser, as well as the Swapo election rally that took place the following day at the Oshakati Independence Stadium. Before Bhanji made his pledge, the highest amount pledged was N$1.5 million from the Lebanese owner of Oshikango-based International Commercial, Ayman Hijazi. The Chinese owner of Dragon City, Jack Huang pledged the third highest amount of N$1 million, while other Chinese businesspeople operating in Oshikango collectively gave the organising committee a briefcase with N$100 000 in cash. Huang said he is very generous towards Swapo because the ruling party government had created a conducive environment for businesspeople, both local and international, to flourish. The gala dinner was attended by the Swapo presidential candidate Hage Geingob, the party’s secretary-general Nangolo Mbumba, as well as others, including Finance Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and Trade and Industry Minister Calle Schlettwein. Fysal Brenner, the owners of Fysal Fresh Produce, contributed N$500 000, along with local businessmen Knowledge Katti, Joshua Haimbodi of Emirates Trading and Ben Zaaruka of Benz Building Supplies. Indian-owned Rani Traders, Rani Dharani pledged N$200 000 in cash and N$200 000 worth of Swapo campaign materials. ONGWEDIVA MERJA IILEKA