Namundjebo-Tilahun seeks answers on Swapo deputy SG position

STAFF REPORTER WINDHOEKMartha Namundjebo-Tilahun, a contender for the position of deputy secretary-general of Swapo at the party’s 2017 congress, has requested a meeting with the party’s top three leaders to discuss the vacant position.The position has been vacant since the death of its previous occupier Marco Hausiku, who died in August.President Hage Geingob’s Harambee slate won all top four positions at the controversial 2017 congress, which is now mired in allegations of Fishrot bribes.Namundjebo-Tilahun contested under the card of Team Swapo, which was soundly trounced at the congress by the Geingob slate – amid allegations of irregularities.If the Swapo succession tradition of recent years is followed, Petrina Haingura, who contested for the deputy secretary-general position under the Team Swapo campaign group, is in line to succeed Hausiku.In cases where an elected Swapo functionary is no longer in their elected position for any reason, the party reverts to its elective list and appoints the next person.At the 2017 congress, Hausiku became deputy secretary-general after receiving 540 votes. He was followed by Haingura who garnered 118, while Namundjebo-Tilahun got 102.ReminderIn a letter dated 7 December, Namundjebo-Tilahun reminded Swapo secretary-general Sophia Shaningwa of the need to fill the deputy secretary-general position.“This letter is addressed to your good office to bring to your attention by way of reminding your good self that the Swapo Party constitution requires that the administrative function and responsibility of the party be governed, managed and administered by the secretary-general of the party.”“In addition, the Swapo Party constitution also makes provision for the nomination, election and appointment of the deputy secretary-general of the party who is vested with power to assist the secretary-general in the execution of his or her mandate,” she added.“It is known that, since the untimely passing of the late Marco Hausiku, the position of deputy secretary-general remains unfilled. With a view to assist the party in resolving the aforesaid impasse, we propose that a joint consultative meeting be conveyed as soon as possible with the undersigned [Geingob, vice-president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and former presidents Sam Nujoma and Hifikepunye Pohamba] to enable us to mutually canvas the various options available to the party and make the necessary recommendations, where necessary and appropriate.”Swapo is expected to have its next elective congress in late 2022 where, amongst others, the party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 national elections will be elected.

Namundjebo-Tilahun seeks answers on Swapo deputy SG position

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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Namundjebo-Tilahun seeks answers on Swapo deputy SG position

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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