LPM considers its transformation
The Landless People's Movement (LPM) says political analysts are wrong in their conclusion that the space for political parties is overcrowded and that one more will merely constitute more of the same.
Speaking at the Red Flag Commando Hall in Katutura on Thursday evening, former deputy minister of land reform and LPM activist Bernadus Swartbooi said the perceptions those analysts are clouded by their membership of the ruling Swapo Party.
“They have become negative and are analysing in the context of accepting a one-party state,” said Swartbooi.
Political analyst Phanuel Kaapama was quoted as saying that a new political party in the current environment is a “bad idea” because the current political terrain is “overcrowded”.
“If the political space is crowded, what ideas are those that occupy that space espouse to?” questioned Swartbooi.
Swartbooi said those who think the LPM would be more of the same confine themselves to strategies like street protests, court cases, letters to the president and other high-ranking politicians.
He said such strategies are often pointless, leading nowhere, and added: “We must grow up and get off the streets and go to the main table.”
Swartbooi further denounced reports that the LPM had decided to become a political party.
He said the LPM land conference in early September resolved to thoroughly investigate whether the social movement should transform into a political party or whether it should join or support other formations. Another consideration is whether it will field independent candidates in the 2019 national elections.
“Howsoever we do that, the point we are making is that we cannot support the current government. The secondary point is that some of the opposition parties are meaningless to get our support,” Swartbooi said.
After planning and strategic sessions of its political committee, the LPM is expected to adopt a definitive position by November.
Swartbooi, however, said he is convinced that there is “an absolute need for a political formation that will not be against something, but for something”.
“For land justice, for economic, social and economic justice and for economic development,” he said, adding that it would also have to be “for anti-corruption”.
Swartbooi took a swipe at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which he said has metamorphosed into a “pro-corruption commission” and the Ministry of Poverty Eradication having been turned into a “grocery ministry” dispensing “Shoprite plastic bags” only to those in agreement with the ruling party.
He said the DTA's “attack” on the LPM was “unnecessary” and premature. The DTA in a recent statement called on its members not to attend LPM functions and suggested that the LPM was formed by former Swapo members who have become angry and disaffected with the ruling party.
“An attack on an unborn baby must say something about how insecure that political party is,” commented Swartbooi.
Going international
The LPM said it has internationalised its land reform agenda. It will soon visit Germany where it will discuss the Namibian land question, and will similarly lobby the United Nations (UN).
It argues that the 1982 Principles and Resolution 435 have not been fully implemented, which perpetuates marginalisation and exclusion for many.
Swartbooi said it is to address such marginalisation and exclusion, as well as permeating corruption not just in land allocations but at all layers of governance, that the LPM has decided to “send representatives to the corridors of power so that they can protest and be our representatives”.
“We need people in power who understand our concerns, people who will speak our voice when we are not there from local authorities, regional councils and the National Assembly. We need people who do not need to be reminded of where they come from,” he said.
CATHERINE SASMAN
Speaking at the Red Flag Commando Hall in Katutura on Thursday evening, former deputy minister of land reform and LPM activist Bernadus Swartbooi said the perceptions those analysts are clouded by their membership of the ruling Swapo Party.
“They have become negative and are analysing in the context of accepting a one-party state,” said Swartbooi.
Political analyst Phanuel Kaapama was quoted as saying that a new political party in the current environment is a “bad idea” because the current political terrain is “overcrowded”.
“If the political space is crowded, what ideas are those that occupy that space espouse to?” questioned Swartbooi.
Swartbooi said those who think the LPM would be more of the same confine themselves to strategies like street protests, court cases, letters to the president and other high-ranking politicians.
He said such strategies are often pointless, leading nowhere, and added: “We must grow up and get off the streets and go to the main table.”
Swartbooi further denounced reports that the LPM had decided to become a political party.
He said the LPM land conference in early September resolved to thoroughly investigate whether the social movement should transform into a political party or whether it should join or support other formations. Another consideration is whether it will field independent candidates in the 2019 national elections.
“Howsoever we do that, the point we are making is that we cannot support the current government. The secondary point is that some of the opposition parties are meaningless to get our support,” Swartbooi said.
After planning and strategic sessions of its political committee, the LPM is expected to adopt a definitive position by November.
Swartbooi, however, said he is convinced that there is “an absolute need for a political formation that will not be against something, but for something”.
“For land justice, for economic, social and economic justice and for economic development,” he said, adding that it would also have to be “for anti-corruption”.
Swartbooi took a swipe at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), which he said has metamorphosed into a “pro-corruption commission” and the Ministry of Poverty Eradication having been turned into a “grocery ministry” dispensing “Shoprite plastic bags” only to those in agreement with the ruling party.
He said the DTA's “attack” on the LPM was “unnecessary” and premature. The DTA in a recent statement called on its members not to attend LPM functions and suggested that the LPM was formed by former Swapo members who have become angry and disaffected with the ruling party.
“An attack on an unborn baby must say something about how insecure that political party is,” commented Swartbooi.
Going international
The LPM said it has internationalised its land reform agenda. It will soon visit Germany where it will discuss the Namibian land question, and will similarly lobby the United Nations (UN).
It argues that the 1982 Principles and Resolution 435 have not been fully implemented, which perpetuates marginalisation and exclusion for many.
Swartbooi said it is to address such marginalisation and exclusion, as well as permeating corruption not just in land allocations but at all layers of governance, that the LPM has decided to “send representatives to the corridors of power so that they can protest and be our representatives”.
“We need people in power who understand our concerns, people who will speak our voice when we are not there from local authorities, regional councils and the National Assembly. We need people who do not need to be reminded of where they come from,” he said.
CATHERINE SASMAN
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